Blue-barred Parrotfish

Superpower

Grinds coral with a fused beak and produces much of the reef's white sand as it goes.

At a glance

Size

typically 40 cm, up to 90 cm

Lifespan

10–15 years

Depth

1–60 m

Habitat

Coral reefs and rocky areas.

Diet

Algae scraped off coral and rock with a beak-like mouth.

Can I eat it?

Fun facts

• •Parrotfish make white sand — a big one can produce hundreds of kilos a year.
• •At night some wrap themselves in a mucus bubble to mask their scent.
• •Their teeth are fused into a hard, colourful beak.