A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Scarus vetula
Vibrant blue coloring and stripes near beak, as well as the distinctive shape of the beak, denote this as a Queen Parrotfish. They are also commonly seen with a long dorsal fin fully extended. Uses its beak to pick off algae and pieces of coral, and then excretes the waste out as sand.
Primarily inhabit Caribbean coral reefs. Can be seen swimming by themselves, or sometimes in aggregations with other Parrotfish.
Parrotfish feeding habits are responsible for the 'crackling' sound that can be heard while swimming on reefs--the sound of their hard beaks cracking against coral.
Spotted on Mar 28, 2005
Submitted on Feb 18, 2012
1 Comment
Nice collection welcome