Weird animal of the week…. the Parrotfish
Parrotfish; male or female? Or both!
Photo: thepollen (Flickr)
Parrotfish travel around in harems of females led by a single male who protects his females and keeps them secure. When this male dies another must, accordingly, take his place. However, this leading male role is not occupied by just any other male that happens swimming around… incrediblyly one of the females from the harem actually turns into a male to take his place.
Scientists are still researching into the exact mechanisms behind this amazing feat of transexuality and are looking into the possible endocrinological and genetic processes. In fact, quite a lot of reef fish use this technique to increase protection, survival and reproductive success of the females.
