Midnight parrotfish

Today, we encountered our first midnight parrotfish of the season.  Although their numbers seem to have declined, today's fish was a large, beautiful reminder that they are still present on local reefs.  This species is one of the largest parrotfish in Bonaire, growing up to 3 feet.  They graze on algae that grows on the reef, as well as fish eggs that are laid on, and adhere to reef structures.  When midnight parrotfish graze, they are nipped at and harassed by many territorial damselfish that are protecting their algae patches or their eggs.

This fish was about 2 feet long, and the photos were taken at depth of about 45 feet.