I saw this rather splendid stareye parrotfish sitting motionless on a patch of sand with its dorsal fin raised. It’s the first time I’d seen a parrotfish do this and I don’t know the reason. At night they will find a crack in the reef to sleep, but during the day they typically cruise around and are very skittish around people.
This photo shows the ‘beak’ of the parrotfish, which is made up of individual teeth that are fused together and are incredibly strong. It uses this ‘beak’ to scrape algae off rocks and also to dig into the coral. After grinding this up and extracting the organic matter, the residue is expelled. This parrotfish poop forms most of Hawaii’s fabulous white sand beaches!
Graham's Island 
Well I never! And lovely to see the fish so clearly as it apparently takes a rest.
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Yes, and possibly the best color I’ve seen for one of these fish.
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Brilliant little worker, in appearance as well as task.
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I think this one had the best markings I’ve seen. Really caught my eye.
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It’s always good to remind people that they’re lying in parrotfish poop.
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I think it helps add a certain something to the sunbathing experience.
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Well I suppose as a former bird photographer I’ve laid in quite a variety of poop at the edge of various waters.
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I bet you have!
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Ah ha! The culprit 🤣💕
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There you go!
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