What is parrot fish? Why should not eat parrot fish?

Parrot species are sold at some markets in the sea. Recently, forums and online communities have called for not eating this fish for many special reasons.

Mr. Nguyen Van Quan - Associate Professor, Doctor of Biology, Senior Researcher of Marine Resources and Environment Institute (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) said: " The parrot fish (also known as the cobia ) belongs to the Scaridae family, a group of fish that feed on algae and dead corals. They spend up to 90% of the day gnawing on the bottom, creating opportunities for coral larvae to settle down. In other words, these are the " workers "diligently clean up coral reefs in tropical waters" .

According to the research results of coral reef fish experts, each individual parrot fish can produce up to 320kg of fine sand (originating from coral bones) in 1 year.

In fact, parakeets participate in the complex food web of coral reef ecosystems and are considered a biological indicator for reef health. The cobia is a group of fish distributed in tropical waters in the Atlantic region, India - Pacific.

Picture 1 of What is parrot fish? Why should not eat parrot fish?
Parrot (also known as cobia).

So far, scientists have discovered nearly 100 species distributed on coral reefs and seagrass beds.

In Vietnam, the number of species of grouper discovered is 43 species including 13 common species.

A special feature of this group of fish is the continuous teeth (like the parrot beak) that help them have the ability to bite crustaceans and crush coral skeletons to absorb algae and aid digestion.

Because of this form of food consumption, many of the sand beaches around the base of the reef come from the activities of grouper.

Another unique feature of this species is its duality . During growth, the parrot will change from female to male sex.

Experts Nguyen Van Quan said that humans are the No. 1 consuming parrot fish in the food chain of the sea and ocean in general.

The main forms of catching parrot fish are with sharp nets, traps, skewers and stun guns.

Reasons not to eat parrot fish

1. There are many fish you can catch in the sea.

2 . Parrot eat algae, algae but especially eat dead corals to discharge fine sand. They spend 90% of their time eating. In other words, they clean the reef.

This is important because most coral reefs across the tropics are being overshadowed by algae because there are not enough parrotfish and other marine-eating fish.

After eating, they release fine white sand - a lot! Each parrot fish produces up to 320kg of sand (700 pounds) per year.

Picture 2 of What is parrot fish? Why should not eat parrot fish?
This is a fish that crushes corals to sand.

Their numbers are depleted and algae levels are very high, they are out of control right now anywhere in the Caribbean.

These flashy fish need to be left in the water. And when they stay, they do a great job.

A new report concludes that the reefs where parrots were abundant in the 1980s are the current healthy reefs.

Where did sand come from?

From many sources. But maybe you will be surprised at the fish described in this article. This is a fish that crushes corals to sand : parrot fish.

Parrot live in many tropical waters around the world.

After swallowing crushed corals, they absorb nutrients from food, then expel the residue as sand. To do this, the parakeet uses hard jaws like its beak and strong molars. Some species can live as long as 20 years without tooth wear.

Please say no to catching parrot. We don't buy parrot fish so they don't get caught.