Parrotfish
by Janette Boyd
Title
Parrotfish
Artist
Janette Boyd
Medium
Photograph - Photo/digital
Description
Photo taken of blue parrot fish with yellow lips, at the Jenks, Oklahoma Aquarium.
Texture courtesy of FAA Artist, Pamela Phelps.
http://pinesingerimages.zenfolio.com/
***Top Finisher in FAA Contest: Fish Only 05/16/15***
Featured in the following FAA Groups:
*Underwater Photography
*3 A Day Waiting Room
*Underwater Life
*Fish Artists
Description
Parrotfish are named for their dentition, which also is distinct from that of other labrids. Their numerous teeth are arranged in a tightly packed mosaic on the external surface of their jaw bones, forming a parrot-like beak with which they rasp algae from coral and other rocky substrates (which contributes to the process of bioerosion).
Maximum sizes vary within the family, with the majority of species reaching 30x50 cm (12x20 in) in length. However, a few species reach lengths in excess of 1 m (3 ft 3 in), and the green humphead parrotfish can reach up to 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in)
Mucus
A number of parrotfish species, including the queen parrotfish (Scarus vetula), secrete a mucus cocoon, particularly at night. Prior to going to sleep, some species extrude mucus from their mouths, forming a protective cocoon that envelops the fish, presumably hiding its scent from potential predators. This mucus envelope may also act as an early warning system, allowing the parrotfish to flee when it detects predators such as moray eels disturbing the membrane. The skin itself is covered in another mucous substance which may have antioxidant properties helpful in repairing bodily damage, or repelling parasites, in addition to providing protection from UV light.
Uploaded
November 4th, 2013
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