Parrot Fish and Sand As we walk along the Riviera Maya beaches, we feel fine, cool white sand under our feet. This sensation is what makes us unique in the Caribbean. It is the result of a process that is not without interest. The beaches are the result of de-fragmented rocks. Beach sand goes through two erosion processes. One is from dry land material, suck as rocks. On its part, the reactive agents that usually act upon rocks are carbon dioxide, oxygen and water. Furthermore, some combined minerals can form soluble carbonates which mean that they play a part in the oxidation and dissolution of rocks making them more porous and facilitation fragmentation. The region of the Mexican Caribbean is the best example of the second erosion process. Here we find a large number of coral reefs, accompanied bye limestone rocks, shells and the very important collaboration of the Parrot Fish. The parrot fish has specialized in a feeding system to which few have access. It feeds on coral. Because of its sharp beak, similar that of a parrot, it can bite small pieces of coral that are as hard as rock. But since the coral pieces cannot pass whole through its digestive tube, it solves this problem bye chewing its hard food with a group of pharyngeal teeth located in the back of its throat. It is normal for the scuba divers visiting the area to clearly hear the sound of teeth breaking coral produced by the parrot fish feeding in the area. After chewing the limestone and reducing it to dust, the parrot fish digests it after filtering the sand. Thanks to these natural marvelous processes we have the fortune of walking along the Riviera Maya and the Caribbean beaches without being afraid of burning out feet, so off with your shoes and enjoy a long walk in the Riviera Maya.
