Parrot Fish: Ecology and Impact

Parrot fish play a crucial role in creating white sand beaches. They consume coral to feed on algae, and in the process, they grind the coral into fine sand using specialized teeth. A single humphead parrot fish can produce up to 1,000 pounds of sand annually. In regions like the Caribbean and Hawaii, a significant portion of the sand is derived from parrot fish excretions.

What is the primary composition of white sand beaches?

• Coral debris

• Volcanic ash

• Fish excrement

• Shell fragments

What do parrot fish primarily feed on?

• Plankton

• Small fish

• Algae on coral

• Coral

What is the role of the 'Fingal teeth' in parrot fish?

• To produce sound

• To digest algae

• To break down coral

• To help them swim

How much sand can a single hump head parrot fish produce annually?

• 500 pounds

• Up to 1,000 pounds

• 200 pounds

• 50 pounds

What percentage of sand in the Caribbean and Hawaii is produced by parrot fish?

• 50%

• 65%

• 85%

• 95%