? Grinding encounter: when you disturb a parrotfish at breakfast in the canyon

What’s that crunching in the reef?

A strange cracking sound. Like chips. Under water

You look around. Nothing. Then again: Crunch – crack – crunch.

And then you see it. In the middle of a coral block, in all its colourful splendour: a parrotfish. Large. Colourful. And completely in its element.

He bites off pieces of coral, crushes them with his powerful beak – and seems completely absorbed in his own world

Welcome to breakfast in the canyon.

When rainbows have teeth

Parrotfish look as if someone has treated them to the entire palette of a paint box. Neon colours, shine, stripes, spots – each one looks a little different

But the most exciting thing is: they have teeth. Not just any teeth, but a hard beak that looks like a parrot’s. And it’s powerful.

They chew on hard coral rock – not out of malice, but because they love the algae that grow on it. The coral is like the bread roll, and the algae are the filling.

What they don’t need is excreted – as fine, white sand. Yes, that’s right: a large part of the tropical beach comes from parrotfish.

Why the canyon near Dahab is the perfect spot for thi

The Canyon is located north of Dahab – one of the most famous formations in the region.

With its columns, caves and play of light, it is spectacular in itself. But what many people don’t know is that you can often find real characterful creatures on the reef roof. Like our chewing friend here.

As you slowly emerge across the flat plateau, you can almost always hear it – even before you see it.

Meeting at eye leve

Parrotfish are solitary creatures. They swim around leisurely, appear deeply relaxed and are hardly impressed by us divers.

But that’s exactly what makes them so likeable

You can get really close to them – if you stay calm and just let yourself drift.

Sometimes they swim right past your mask, almost as if they want to show you their latest colour combination.

Our recommendation

The canyon is more than just crevices and depths. It is also a place of little stories. Of colourful encounters.

And the next time you hear that crunching sound – be quiet, stand still and look closely

Perhaps someone is having breakfast there for your next day at the beach.

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? Parrotfish facts