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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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The Badlands celebrates a milestone
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A day for our oceans
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This reef is nowhere near the sea…
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Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, California
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Ravens
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A perfect day to fly your flag
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Mexican giant cardon cactus
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American bison
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That s quite a schnoz, baby tapir
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Patriot Day
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Coming home to roost
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Fog above the forest
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National Park Service Founders Day
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World Population Day
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A peek at an explosive peak
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Saint Nicholas Day in Verbier, Switzerland
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Giving Tuesday
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New Year’s Day in the land of the rising sun
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Looking for peace on the precipice
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Traffic jam on the caribou highway
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Lighting the way to new beginnings
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The island fox’s incredible comeback
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It’s National Dolphin Day!
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Feature Attraction: 85 years at the drive-in
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Lizard of mystery
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Oh, happy day!
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From Sputnik to extraterrestrial storms
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A. M. Foster Bridge in Cabot, Vermont
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Prague, Czech Republic
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Daylight saving time