parrotfish

Definition

A type of colorful, reef-dwelling tropical fish known for its beak-like teeth used to scrape algae off coral, often breaking down coral into sand during the feeding process.

Etymology

The name combines 'parrot' and 'fish,' referencing the bird-like shape and bright colors of its mouth and scales, which resemble the plumage of a parrot.

In the news

The article highlights parrotfish as a biological source of beach sand, explaining how they ingest calcium-carbonate reef material and excrete it as fine sediment.

Science says sand isn’t always made from rocks: Some beaches are built from the remains of living things

The Economic Times

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