Join us for a closer look at one of Wakatobi’s most valuable yet overlooked marine treasures: the parrotfish.
Of the thousands of marine species you may encounter at Wakatobi, none are more ubiquitous than the parrotfish. This keystone species is a relative of the wrasses and is among the most abundant and widespread species found on tropical reefs globally. This fact is crucial because, without parrotfish, reef health would suffer and even our sandy beaches could disappear. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—first, let’s review these fascinating critters.
Sources estimate that there are between 80 and 90 known species of parrotfish. Before DNA analysis and in-water observation became prevalent, biologists believed there were over 300 varieties swimming about the world’s tropical and sub-tropical regions. That conclusion is understandable, given these fishes’ propensity for changing coloration, shape and sex over the course of their lifetime.t vitae, eleifend ac, enim.
Attaching names to these underwater chameleons has resulted in some colorful titles. Midnight (Scarus coelestinus) is an obvious choice for an all-black specimen, and there’s no mystery behind a red (Scarus rubroviolaceus) or blue parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus). But things get more interesting when you start searching for a rainbow (Scarus guacamaia), yellowtail (Chlorurus spilurus), spotted (Scarus maculatus), marbled (Scarus marmoratus), rivulated (Scarus rivulatus), greensnout (Scarus ovifrons), or blue-barred parrotfish (Scarus ghobban).
Alternatively, instead of sorting out complex colorations, you could identify particular species based on physical characteristics: roundhead (Scarus orbifrons), longnose (Hipposcarus longiceps), ruggedfin (Chlorurus strongylocephalus), steephead (Chlorurus microrhinos), heavybeak (Chlorurus gibbus), spinytooth (Calotomus spinidens), knothead (Chlorurus bowersi), or green humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum)
Finally, there are varieties that apparently thwarted all attempts at logical classification, prompting biologists to come up with more fanciful descriptions to bestow on the princess (Scarus taeniopterus), queen (Scarus vetula), regal (Scarus regalis), and festive parrotfish (Scarus festivus).
Coral Crunchers
In Wakatobi waters, you can find a vibrant parrotfish menagerie, with 35 different species swimming in the upper portions of the reef and sometimes venturing into the seagrass beds closer to shore. Named after their striking colors and fused teeth structure, which both resemble the unique characteristics of a parrot bird, parrotfish are fascinating creatures. A closer look reveals a row of tightly packed teeth growing outside the jawbone, serving as scrapers to gnaw and gouge coral and rocks.
This behavior removes algae or loosens chunks of coral for the parrotfish to munch on. Deeper inside the parrotfish’s throat, a different set of molar-like teeth pulverizes ingested coral chunks to extract embedded algae and polyps. This process continues all the way to the digestive tract, creating a biological conveyor belt that breaks their food down into sand-sized particles.
Studies show parrotfish are key to reef equilibrium; without them, algae would smother corals as they compete for sunlight and space.
Parrotfish constantly regrow their teeth due to the excessive gnawing and chewing they engage in. Although algae make up a substantial portion of their diet, these fish are not strict herbivores. They feed on a range of reef organisms, including sponges, zoanthids, worms, and other small creatures that happen to be in the wrong place at the right time. Their distinctive “crunching” sound, which you’ve likely heard underwater, is a result of their frequent consumption of the reef. This unique noise has perhaps garnered them the most notoriety.
Parrotfish are unable to digest the coral they eat. Once the living organisms are extracted from the digestive slurry, the remaining pulverized matter, sand, is released onto the seabed. Most snorkelers and divers who’ve visited a tropical coral reef have witnessed the periodic discharges of parrotfish. What they’re witnessing is the formation of a beach. The crushed coral produced by parrotfish is a primary component of beach sand in many regions, including Wakatobi. Scientists estimate that parrotfish produce up to 70 percent of the sand on some beaches. So, the next time you curl your toes in the sand on a pristine beach, you are technically standing on… Well, we think you can figure that part out!
The straight-up poop
There’s some debate as to how much sand each parrotfish produces, with the most common number being somewhere in the range of 10 ounces (280 grams) per day for the average size fish. That works out to about 220 pounds (100kg) of sand per year, per fish. The next time you witness a school of parrotfish munching away during your next dive, you’re essentially witnessing a massive sand production operation. Current research suggests a net gain of around 2,000 pounds (1 ton/907kg) of sand per acre per year for reefs supporting an average number of parrotfish.
Parrotfish do more than build beaches—they are vital to reef health. Before their stool reaches shore, the sand provides habitat for burrowing animals. More importantly, studies show parrotfish are key to reef equilibrium; without them, algae would smother corals as they compete for sunlight and space. Consider them the reef’s cleaning crew. In many areas of the world, parrotfish are harvested for food, causing local populations to plummet. Fortunately, most species of parrotfish are not threatened with extinction on a global level. In fact, the parrotfish population levels are robust at Wakatobi thanks to the protected status of the reef. If it weren’t for Wakatobi’s steadfast dedication to reef health and marine conservation, the reefs wouldn’t be nearly as vibrant and teeming with biological diversity as they are today.
Take a closer look
You are likely to encounter numerous species of parrotfish on every dive at Wakatobi. They can range in size from 1 to 4 feet (30 to 120 centimeters) in length, with the largest specimens being the bumphead and the bicolor.
If you are in the water near sunset, you might be able to witness their bedtime routine for yourself. Every night, each parrotfish scampers off in search of shelter, where they tuck themselves away and begin to secrete their signature sleeping cocoons. It takes a parrotfish about a half hour to create this mucous bubble that becomes their bedchamber each night. This membrane is believed to shield the fish from predators and parasites by concealing its scent. Regardless of its function, a parrotfish encased in a cocoon sets a captivating scene for capturing an intriguing image during a night dive.
With a myriad of exotic and unusual creatures awaiting discovery in Wakatobi waters, it’s easy to write off the parrotfish as unimaginative. But, on your next dive, take a closer look at this fascinating species. Simply getting a concrete identification on one variety can be a gratifying challenge, and they always make a willing subject for your next fishy portrait! Next time you spot a parrotfish on your dive, take a moment to acknowledge it—after all, its labor helped create the very beach that makes Wakatobi such an extraordinary place.
Time to experience all the Wakatobi has to offer? Contact us at office@wakatobi.com or complete a quick trip inquiry at wakatobi.com.
Visit us on Facebook and Instagram.
Enjoy our videos on our YouTube channel.
