My What Big Teeth You Have!

Parrotfish | (family Scaridae)

Story by Lori Murphy

The stunning parrotfish (family Scaridae) comes in every color of the rainbow, but is most recognizable for its fused teeth that form a beak-like jaw said to resemble that of a parrot. The teeth grow continuously and enable the planteating fish to scrape algae from coral and rock.

On Caribbean reefs, parrotfish play a critical role as grazers keeping algae in check. Without grazers, algae out-compete the coral until they weaken or even die. Parrotfish perform yet another surpising role in the ecosystem, eating bits of coral whole, digesting them, and excreting sand that helps cover the Caribbean's incomparable beaches.

Protecting these beautiful fish from overfishing is one key to ensuring that reefs are healthy, resilient, and bountiful.

Do you have an interesting photo you think would make a great Awe & Wonder?
Send your best shots to: aweandwonder@oceanconservancy.org

Help protect these beautiful parrotfish — and all ocean wildlife — with a contribution today.