ParrotfishesScaridae

Parrotfishes are robust, oval-bodied reef fish, recognised by their fused teeth that form a prominent, parrot-like beak. Their bodies are covered in large, overlapping scales. Most species grow between 20-60 cm (8-24 in), with some exceeding 1 meter (3.3 ft). Colouration is highly variable, often featuring bright greens, blues, and yellows in complex patterns; many species display pronounced sexual dimorphism and significant colour changes throughout their life stages.

They inhabit coral-rich areas, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds from shallow intertidal zones down to approximately 30 m (100 ft), though some species range deeper. Primarily herbivorous, they use their strong beaks to scrape algal films from corals and rocks during the day. This constant grazing contributes significantly to bioerosion, grinding ingested substrate into fine sand that forms a major component of reef beaches. Some species secrete a mucous cocoon at night, forming a protective barrier against parasites and predators. These diurnal fish are frequently encountered by divers, either solitary or in schools.