🌿 Happy #NationalGardenMonth—from the reef’s most colorful caretakers! 🐠🌊 Did you know parrotfish are the ocean’s very own gardeners? These vibrant fish play a vital role in keeping coral reefs healthy by munching on algae and dead corals that can overgrow reefs if left unchecked. Their constant grazing with their parrot-like beaks gives coral space to breathe and grow—just like weeding helps flowers flourish in a garden. 🌸 Parrotfish typically prefer biting fast-growing corals over slow-growing ones. This gives the slower growers a chance to recover, leading to a healthier and more diverse reef. In a way, parrotfish shape the reef with every bite. 🪸💙 📸: Richard Whitcombe / Shutterstock