Rusty Parrotfish

The rusty parrotfish may not sound like anything special, but if you’ve ever enjoyed the flawless sand of a white tropical beach, thank the parrotfish. They belong to a family that is not only full of fascinating characteristics like its ability to poop out sand, but also incredibly important to the health of coral reefs – their diet of algae helps to keep algae growth in check. Their fused teeth create powerful plates reminiscent of a parrot’s beak, and are used for removing the algae.  These fish know not the woes of the insomniac, as they can sleep for ten hours at a time snuggled in their very own slimy sleeping bag, a cocoon of jelly they build every night for protection. They are mostly born female, but  are gender bending wizards, able not only to change to male, but can change back again, revamping their colors as they do so. Growing up to 41 cm, they are found in protected coral reef slopes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the northwest Indian Ocean. • Rubber sole • Customizable 100% polyester fabric lining • Black Y-shaped rubber straps