Herbivorous fish primarily consume which type of food?

Herbivorous fish are specifically adapted to feed on plant material. This includes a variety of aquatic plants such as algae, macrophytes, and other vegetation present in their environment. Their digestive systems are equipped with specialized adaptations that allow them to efficiently process plant matter, which is often fibrous and difficult to break down.

In contrast, the other options represent food sources that herbivorous fish do not typically consume. Pathogens are primarily disease-causing microorganisms and not a food source for these fish. Similarly, fish and snails are protein-rich foods that would be more likely consumed by carnivorous or omnivorous species rather than strictly herbivorous ones. Thus, the primary diet of herbivorous fish is centered on plant life, making this choice the most accurate representation of their feeding habits.