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Parrotfishes Pesci Pappagallo Scaridi intotheblue.it
Parrotfishes are a group of marine species found in relatively shallow tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. With about 95 species, this group displays its largest species richness in the Indo-Pacific. They are found in coral reefs, rocky coasts, and seagrass beds, and can play a significant role in bioerosion. Parrotfishes Pesci Pappagallo Scaridi intotheblue.it
Parrotfish are named for their dentition, which is distinct from other fish, including 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 30–50 cm in length. However, a few species reach lengths in excess of 1 m and the green humphead can reach up to 1.3 m.
Pesce Pappagallo – Parrotfishes – intotheblue.it
Pesce Pappagallo – Parrotfishes – intotheblue.it
The development of parrotfishes is complex and accompanied by a series of changes in sex and colour (polychromatism). Most species are sequential hermaphrodites, starting as females (known as the initial phase) and then changing to males (the terminal phase). In many species, for example the stoplight parrotfish (Sparisoma viride), a number of individuals develop directly to males (i.e., they do not start as females). These directly developing males usually most resemble the initial phase, and often display a different mating strategy than the terminal phase males of the same species.
