Animal of the Day!
Bicolor Parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor)
(Photo by Richard Ling)
Conservation Status- Least Concern
Habitat- Indo-Pacific Ocean; Red Sea; Australian Ocean
Size (Weight/Length)- 75 cm
Diet- Algae; Carrion; Coral
Cool Facts- Bicolor parrotfish, and parrotfish in general, are some of the most important fish in a coral reef. Parrotfish keep reefs clear of algae and dead coral through their voracious hunger. The dead coral that is eaten is excreted as white sand, leading to many beaches around the world ranging from Hawaii to Indonesia. Almost all bicolor parrotfish are born female. As they mature, they shift to become males. Parrotfish are capable of having eggs earlier in their life and then fertilizing other female’s eggs when older. In short terms, ultimate rizz. Males are highly territorial and keep harems of females in their territory, only to kick them out after they transition to male.
Rating- 12/10 (Yes, you are building that sand castle out of poop.)
