Many inhabitants, such as angelfish and parrotfish, utilize the reef as a source of food and shelter. But too much feeding causes bioerosion of the reef.

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Another condition that can cause coral mortality in the reef

is bioerosion. For example, the sea urchin Diadema antillarum functions

as both a grazer on algae that can smother coral, and as a bioeroder of

corals as it feeds on them. Other bioeroders include crown of thorns,

parrot fish, and boring worms. All of these marine organisms manage

to weaken the coral structure the coral skeleton, making it more

susceptible to breakage during storms.