These brightly colored parrotfish are swimming off the coast of Negros Oriental province in the Philippines. There are dozens of species of parrotfish and they live in abundant numbers in the world"s tropical seas. These thick-bodied fish have large scales and a beak of fused teeth they use to diligently scrape delicious algae from reefs and rocks. Some also eat coral, which they grind up with plate-like teeth in their throats. Researchers say parrotfish play a critical role in the health of coral reefs by eating algae that can choke off coral growth. They also help replenish the white sandy beaches near these tropical reefs. How? After parrotfish digest the edible parts of coral, they excrete what"s left as sand—a lot of sand. In some species, a single parrotfish can poop almost 1,000 pounds of pearly white sand each year. But never mind that—some trivia is best not to dwell on.
Colorful cows of the reef
Today in History
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Summer solstice
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It’s showtime for a precious crop
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World Environment Day
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Defying gravity on a swing ride
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Happy holidays!
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Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
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Welcome to the Hoh
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First Cliff Walk
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Does this shark have an Irish accent?
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Yellow-eyed penguins, Moeraki, New Zealand
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Winnie-the-Pooh Day
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A wonder in winter
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Giving Tuesday
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Flocking together in the Antarctic
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Splashes of color for Watercolor Month
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Fly me to the moon
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A memorial in Germany
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World Wildlife Conservation Day
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World Octopus Day
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The crossroads of empires
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Diving into the underwater nirvana
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International Surfing Day
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Carnival comes to Olinda
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So, how long till springtime?
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Party like it’s 5779
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What s better than a smile?
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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
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Let s ride! It s Roller Coaster Day
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It s Coffee Day
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75 years of the United Nations