
The magenta lines around the eye of this fish identify it as a supermale stareye parrotfish. Parrotfish have initial and terminal phases. Most adults remain in the initial phase throughout their lives as either males or females, though some parrotfish are all females.
Terminal phase parrotfish are called supermales. These are female initial phase fish which have reversed their sex. They will fertilize most of the eggs laid by initial phase females in their territories. When one of these supermales dies, another initial phase female will reverse sex and take its place.
Fascinating information – what complexity in the breeding statuses and changes in sex. The colour and markings on the fish are rather extraordinary too.
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Parrotfish are very colorful in lots of ways, not just appearance!
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