Editing Parrotfish (section)

==Protective mucus==
[[File:Scarus zelindae.jpg|thumb|''[[Scarus zelindae]]'' in its mucus cocoon|left]]

Some parrotfish species, such as the [[queen parrotfish]] (''Scarus vetula''), secrete a mucus cocoon, particularly at night.<ref name=UV>Cerny-Chipman, E. "[http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1133&context=isp_collection Distribution of Ultraviolet-Absorbing Sunscreen Compounds Across the Body Surface of Two Species of Scaridae.]" ''[http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/ DigitalCollections@SIT]'' 2007. Accessed 2009-06-21.</ref> Prior to going to sleep, some species extrude mucus from their mouths, forming a protective cocoon that envelops the fish, presumably hiding its scent from potential predators.<ref>Langerhans, R.B. "[http://faculty-staff.ou.edu/L/Randall.B.Langerhans-1/Langerhans%202006.pdf Evolutionary consequences of predation: avoidance, escape, reproduction, and diversification.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614031545/http://faculty-staff.ou.edu/L/Randall.B.Langerhans-1/Langerhans%202006.pdf |date=14 June 2011 }}" pp. 177–220 in Elewa, A.M.T. ed. Predation in organisms: a distinct phenomenon. Heidelberg, Germany, Springer-Verlag. 2007. Accessed 2009-06-21.</ref><ref name=biochem/> This mucus envelope may also act as an early warning system, allowing the parrotfish to flee when it detects predators such as [[moray eel]]s disturbing the membrane.<ref name=biochem/> 

The skin itself is covered in another mucous substance which may have antioxidant properties helpful in repairing bodily damage,<ref name="UV" /><ref name="biochem" /> or repelling parasites, in addition to providing protection from [[Ultraviolet|UV light]].<ref name="UV" />

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