Bumphead Parrotfish

Photo: Mark Rosenstein · CC BY-NC

Enormous schools of bumphead parrotfish descend on Bulan Reef at dawn, their concussive head-butting against coral heads audible from 20 meters away as they excavate algae-covered coral substrate. These are the largest of all parrotfish species and among the most charismatic reef fish in the Indo-Pacific, with their school behavior creating a dynamic spectacle rarely seen on heavily dived reefs. Their presence at Bulan reflects the site's relatively low fishing pressure compared to reefs near major population centers.