Humphead Parrotfish

The video explains the origin of white sand, highlighting the role of hump head parrotfish. These fish, found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, feed on algae on coral reefs. Their powerful jaws allow them to bite through coral, consuming over 5 tons annually, which is excreted as sand. This process contributes to the formation of white sand beaches.

What is the primary source of white sand on many beaches?

• Shell fragments

• Volcanic ash

• Hump head parrotfish excretion

• Erosion of rocks

Where are hump head parrotfish commonly found?

• Mediterranean Sea

• Indian and Pacific Oceans

• Atlantic Ocean

• Arctic Ocean

How do hump head parrotfish feed on algae?

• By gently grazing on the surface

• By scraping algae with their fins

• By using their beak-like jaws to bite through coral

• By filtering water

Approximately how much coral can a single hump head parrotfish consume in a year?

• 5 tons

• 3 tons

• 10 tons

• 1 ton

What happens to the coral ingested by the hump head parrotfish?

• It is excreted as sand

• It is stored in their bodies

• It is digested and used for energy

• It is used to build nests