Humphead parrotfish

Photo: Ewout Knoester · CC BY-SA

Humphead parrotfish are the largest parrotfish species, reaching 1.3 metres and 46 kg, and they are ecosystem engineers of the first order. Their fused beak teeth can bite through solid coral skeleton; a single large adult may produce up to 90 kg of white coral sand annually through bioerosion. Schools of 20 to 50 individuals are routinely seen at Chumbe — a direct consequence of the no-take zone — and their presence is a strong indicator of reef health.