Primary Diet
Parrotfish are primarily herbivores. Their diet consists mainly of algae, seaweed, and other plant matter. They use their beak-like teeth to scrape algae off rocks and coral.
Ecological Role
Parrotfish are essential to coral reef health because they control algae growth and prevent it from smothering coral. Their digestive systems are adapted to break down plant matter.
Occasional Exceptions
There is some evidence that parrotfish may occasionally eat small invertebrates such as plankton or worms, but this is not a significant part of their diet.