#NSTViral: 'Don't eat it': Online users rally to save parrotfish

KUALA LUMPUR: Social media users have urged the public not to buy or eat parrotfish, warning that the species plays an important role in maintaining healthy coral reefs.

The discussion began after Threads user firdausi_68 posted photos of several parrotfish displayed on ice alongside other seafood, as well as one of the fish cooked and served on a plate.

The user said he had tried the fish in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, and was surprised by its taste, asking whether it was also sold in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: Its vibrant emerald green scales may tempt tourists to buy and eat it when they spot it on display among other seafood, but the parrotfish is not meant for the dinner table, social media users have warned.

The discussion began after Threads user firdausi_68 posted photos of several parrotfish displayed on ice alongside other seafood, as well as one of the fish cooked and served on a plate.

The user said he had tried the fish in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, and was surprised by its taste, asking whether it was also sold in Malaysia.

"Is this green fish sold in Malaysia? I ate it in Labuan Bajo and didn't expect it to taste so insanely good! Have you guys ever tried it?" he wrote.

His post drew criticism from several users, who questioned why fishermen and traders continued to catch and sell the fish.

"Why are these fish traders still selling this fish? The fishermen are just as bad. Everyone wants to profit without thinking about the impact on the sea and on humans themselves. Selfish," one user wrote.

Others highlighted the parrotfish's role in the marine ecosystem, with user yusairinanananana claiming that catching the fish was not permitted in Malaysia.

"This fish can't be caught in Malaysia, you know. Let alone eaten. Because it takes care of the coral reefs. Don't support it if anyone sells it. Poor thing," the user wrote.

Some also expressed concern over the lack of legislation protecting the species, saying fishermen continue to catch it due to demand and that consumers must boycott it instead.

"It's sad. There's still no protection act for this fish. Yes, fishermen still catch this fish because of demand, so it's up to us to boycott buying this fish," one user responded.

"This shouldn't be eaten. It takes care of the coral reefs. Without it, our beautiful and colourful coral reefs would be gone," said another.

The parrotfish, which belong to the Scaridae family, get their name from their fused, beak-like teeth, while the bumphead parrotfish, often found around marine parks in Sipadan, Sabah, is distinguished by the protruding hump on its face.

The herbivorous fish feed mainly on algae, using their exposed beak-like teeth to scrape the reef before grinding the coral up with teeth in their throats, a process known as bioerosion that helps keep reefs healthy.