Steephead Parrotfish

Photo: Storm Martin · CC BY

Parrotfish are conspicuously abundant along the entire Coral Beach reef, their grazing activity creating the constant low-frequency grinding sound that is a reliable acoustic indicator of reef health in the absence of boat noise. Terminal-phase males in electric blue-green livery are highly territorial, patrolling reef sections of 200-400 square metres and aggressively displacing competing grazers. Their bioerosion role at this site has been quantified by Israeli researchers: individual steephead parrotfish produce an estimated 80-100 kg of carbonate sand per year, contributing measurably to the beach sediment budget.