School of herbivorous fish in Hawaii • Earth.com

School of herbivorous fish in Hawaii

12-06-2016

School of herbivorous fish in Hawaii This graceful school of herbivorous fish is shown here in the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area in Hawaii.  Thanks to Emily Kelly/Scripps for sharing this inspiring video which brightened up our Monday.

Small herbivorous fish are small bodied fish species, such as damselfish, tangs, and surgeonfish that primarily feed on algae. Herbivores feed on plants. The four largest groups of coral reef fishes that feed on plants are the parrotfishes, damselfishes, rabbitfishes, and surgeonfishes. All feed primarily on microscopic and macroscopic algae growing on or near coral reefs. Algae can drape reefs in kaleidoscopes of colours and shapes.

There are several characteristics of herbivores, including flat teeth, constant foraging, alkaline saliva and diversity of plant life consumed. Most herbivores eat a variety of plants, but there are some notable exceptions, such as pandas and koalas. Herbivores require lots of energy each day and must constantly feed.

By Olivia Harvey, Earth.com Staff Writer

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