Sand comes from many sources,but the one described in this article might surprise you.It is a fish that grinds coral into fine sand- the parrot fish!
Parrot fish live in various tropical waters throughout the world.After swallowing crushed coral,they extract tiny food morsels and then expel the rest in the form of sand.To do this job,the parrot fish uses its powerful beaklike jaws and strong back teeth.Some species can live as long as 20years without wearing out their teeth.
In some areas,by busily chomping away on dead coral,the parrot fish produces more sand than any other natural sand-making process.Some reasearchers estimate that a typical parrot fish produces hundreds of kilograms of sand a year.
While grazing on the algae-coated coral and vegetable material,it also keeps the coral clean..what a wonder in creation.
The parrot fish is one of the most visible and attractive fish of the reef and for its own safety the fish wrap themselves up for the night secreting a protective mucus that envelops them looking like a night gown and the foul smell of this mucus protects them from predators!! And as the the parrot fish parade their finery,they keep their environment healthy for other reef creatures and humans to enjoy.
Thanks for reading this little yet inspiring article of mine on a wonderful creature,all thanks to God for his creations!
