Parrotfishes in Hawaii
Parrotfishes are colorful reef fish with strong beaklike teeth. These teeth help them scrape algae from rocks, coral heads and reef surfaces. In Hawaii, parrotfishes are called uhu. Young fish are known as 'ohua, while mid-sized fish are called panuhu.
Parrotfishes are important reef grazers. By feeding on algae, they help keep reef surfaces from becoming overgrown. Some species also bite small pieces of coral or limestone while feeding, and the ground-up material can later become fine reef sand.
How Parrotfishes Feed
Parrotfishes use their fused teeth like a scraping tool. Snorkelers may even hear a faint crunching sound when a parrotfish bites at the reef. They often move steadily from one feeding spot to another, grazing as they go.
Their feeding behavior helps support reef balance. It also makes them fun to watch, especially when a bright blue-green fish passes over the coral and leaves small pale scrape marks behind.
Colors and Life Changes
Parrotfishes can be tricky to identify because many change color as they grow. Juveniles, females and mature males may look very different. Many species can also change sex during their lives.
When watching parrotfishes, give them room and avoid touching coral or standing on reef surfaces. Related pages include the Hawaii fish guide, chubs, surgeonfishes and unicornfishes, wrasses and Hawaii snorkeling tours.
