Mediterranean parrotfish

Photo: ealcaniz · CC BY-NC-SA

The Mediterranean parrotfish is the only parrotfish native to European waters, and individuals in the Calanques are particularly striking — males display vivid red and blue-grey coloration, while females and juveniles wear a more muted brown-red livery. They graze on algae coating rock surfaces using fused beak-like teeth, releasing fine carbonate sediment that gradually accumulates on cave floors. Their presence is a sign of healthy, well-grazed rocky reef.