The whole truth about the parrot fish

One of the most eye-catching and distinctive species you can add to your aquarium are parrot fish. Their eye-catching colors and characteristic beak-like mouths draw attention right away. However, these fish are more complex than they seem.

The true nature of parrot fish is a topic of great interest to many aquarists. Are they hybrid or natural? What difficulties can you encounter while taking care of them? You can determine if parrot fish are the right choice for your tank by being aware of the facts about them.

We’ll explore the myths and realities of parrot fish in this post so you can see exactly what to anticipate when owning these amazing fish. Everything you need to know will be covered, from their origins to their care requirements.

Fact Description
Origin Parrot fish are a hybrid species, created by breeding different types of cichlids.
Appearance They have a bright, colorful look, often with a unique beak-like mouth, resembling a parrot"s beak.
Behavior Parrot fish are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding.
Care They require a spacious tank with good filtration and regular water changes.
Diet Parrot fish are omnivores, eating both plant-based and meaty foods.

Description

The parrot fish has a striking, eye-catching appearance that is unforgettable. Unusual facial features, such as a funny mouth, flattened sides, and an open mouth, give an intriguing appearance. The name of the aquarium fish originates from the shape of its head, which resembles a parrot’s beak. Aquarium parrots reach a maximum size of 30 cm. Body size varies according to parrot species. Red parrots don’t exist in their natural habitat. Fish are supplied by breeders to the pet shop.

Types and colors

There are 100 different kinds of these aquarium inhabitants. However, the most well-liked ones are:

  • red parrot – typical color is red, sometimes orange. Can grow up to 25 cm;
  • scar – grows up to 20 cm;
  • The Japanese conehead is the largest species and the most aggressive of the parrots. Requires careful selection of "neighbors" in the aquarium.

Another way to classify parrot fish is by color. The most popular hues are vivid orange or red. Parrots are naturally yellow, white, and lemon in color. There are variegated colors as well as monochromatic ones. Marble, diamond, pearl, panda, blue (light blue), and other materials are among them.

Lemon Yellow Blue Panda marble white pearl diamond

There are people who have colored tattoos. The parrot fish in the aquarium is then given a pattern on its body. These are Asian breeders’ experiments. Chemical dyes and carotenoid nutrition are used to create mottled colors. When painting and applying tattoos, harsh chemicals and devices for artificial mucus secretion are used.

Harsh techniques. Stressed out parrot fish out. There is a marked decrease in immunity. In order to spare the fish from suffering, many aquarists decline to purchase such species.

Parrot classification based on body form and fins:

  • king kong (large, with a large layer of fat on the forehead);
  • red ingot (disc-shaped);
  • beautiful fortune (with specific fins and a huge beak-like growth);
  • unicorn;
  • love heart (without back fin).

Although parrot fish are bright, colorful fish that give personality to any aquarium, they are more complex than they first appear. Although parrot fish are prized for their eye-catching appearance, aquarists frequently disagree about them because of their hybrid heritage and particular maintenance requirements. Anyone thinking about putting one of these fish in their tank needs to know the truth about them, from their behavior and breeding to any potential health risks.

Behavior features

These fish are calm. essentially free of hostility. When they spawn, males are the exception. When a parrot fish in an aquarium recognizes its food sources, it will swim up to peer through the glass to observe them.

How long does a parrot fish live

A parrot fish has a lifespan of seven to eight years. Its lifespan is up to ten years with proper care.

Fish kept as parrots require little maintenance. Because of their high activity and copious excrement, 20–30% of the water needs to be changed every week. Artificial algae and driftwood are used to create décor, providing hiding places for aquarium parrot fish. Living ones aren’t employed. They are undermined and destroyed by the parrot.

Aquarium

Remember that parrot fish require space and can grow up to 25 cm in length when selecting an aquarium. 200 liters is the volume for a pair. starting at 70 cm in length. To prevent the parrot from falling out, the top of the aquarium needs to be covered with a lid or mesh.

Specialized plant installations are not required.

On the bottom, a 5–6 cm layer of soil composed of tiny, smooth-edged pebbles is applied. They make earthen nests.

Every parrot living in the aquarium ought to have a place of its own. For every fish in the aquarium, there should be artificial driftwood and pot fragments.

Equipment

The following tools are required:

  • filter;
  • aerator;
  • pump for easy water movement;
  • lamp for dim lighting;
  • thermometer.

If the backlight is too bright, the fish’s color will start to fade.

Water requirements

The following criteria should be met by the water in the parrot aquarium:

  • Temperature 22–28 degrees Celsius.
  • Acidity 6.5–7.5 pH.
  • Hardness 2–25 dH.

What to feed

Remember that aquarium fish parrots have small mouths when feeding them. Crushed food is served. A balanced and varied diet is recommended.

Fish, finely chopped worms, live or frozen bloodworms, and dry specialized food are all favorites of parrots. Crushed plant foods like bell and red peppers, zucchini, and peas are fed to fish in aquariums.

Since peppers are high in carotene, they are fed to fish that have lost their vibrant color.

Feeding once every day. No more than two. Before turning off the lights, give one last feeding after a few hours. Switch up the artificial food with different kinds of food. Observe that the fish does not overeat and that all of the food is consumed. weekly fasting day of one.

Compatibility with other fish

The following fish get along well with parrots:

  • Catfish.
  • Barbs.
  • Ostronotus.
  • Aquarium arowanas.
  • Black knives.
  • Cichlids.

However, fish smaller than 5 cm should not be kept with parrots as they may inadvertently eat them.

And fish that consume algae as food. For instance, angelfish, since algae is a hiding place for aquarium parrots.

Diseases

Like other cichlids, immunity is robust. The illness resolves on its own. When fish disease symptoms manifest, treatment starts:

  • white feces;
  • white lumps (like semolina) on the body and fins (ichthyophthirius);
  • blackening of the fins (color change is a sign of intoxication);
  • lying on the bottom, spitting out food (overeating, poisoning);
  • wounds on the body.

The primary causes are the aquarium’s overcrowding, poor water quality, and contact with sick fish. When you don’t change the water very often, you get intoxicated by your own waste. The water needs to be changed twice a day, every day after that.

It works well to use drugs containing copper and to raise the water temperature to thirty degrees Celsius when dealing with ichthyophthirius.

There should be hiding spots for the fish in the aquarium. This will remove needless tension.

Black spots

Black spots can occasionally appear on parrots’ bodies. This is a sign of tension. The spots go away as soon as the traumatic event is resolved. A shift in the outside world could be the source of stress. In an aquarium, parrot fish adore stability.

Reproduction

It is not possible to reproduce parrot fish in an aquarium at home. This species of cichlid is sterile in the males, making spawning impossible. During the second year of life, individuals form pairs, excavate nests, and deposit eggs. It perishes a few days later. enhances the fertility of other cichlid females’ eggs. The resulting offspring from breeding then looks different from parrots.

Sexual differences

Once the female reaches the age of 1.5 years, the male begins to exhibit characteristics that set him apart from her. In the area of the tail, a pear-shaped tubercle forms in females, and a cone-shaped tubercle forms in males.

One of the most colorful and fascinating species you can have in your aquarium are parrot fish. They are a well-liked option among fish enthusiasts due to their distinctive appearance, vivid colors, and intriguing behaviors. They do, however, present a unique set of difficulties.

It’s crucial to understand that parrotfish are frequently hybrid species, which raises questions about their moral breeding methods and potential health risks. Even though they can be resilient and adaptive, it is essential to their health to provide them with the proper surroundings, such as suitable tank mates and a healthy diet.

If you’re thinking about putting parrot fish in your aquarium, learn about their requirements and be ready to provide the care they need. These lovely fish can flourish and brighten your aquarium experience with the correct care.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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