Parrotfish (Scaridae)

Parrotfish (Scaridae) are a diverse group of marine fish that are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are known for their brightly colored scales and the unique shape of their teeth, which are fused together to form a beak-like structure that is used for grazing on algae and other plant material.

Parrotfish come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can range in length from a few inches to over a foot long. They are generally found in shallow coral reefs, where they play an important role in maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystem. They feed on algae that grows on coral reefs, helping to prevent the overgrowth of this plant material and maintaining the structural integrity of the reefs. In addition, parrotfish are known to produce a fine, white sand as a byproduct of their feeding habits, which helps to maintain the sand banks that are found around many coral reefs.