This species belongs to the family of cichlids . In our aquariums it can be found quite often. The homeland of fish parrots is West Africa. At home, the male reaches a length of no more than 7 cm, and the female grows to 5 cm.
Parrotfish: content
This species can be safely called the most suitable for beginners aquarists. They are unpretentious, friendly. For a comfortable state of fish in the aquarium, there should always be thickets of plants, snags, different houses and shelters.
If a small parrot fish does not find a cozy and reliable shelter, it will dig its own shelter under the rocks or roots of the algae. The bottom of the aquarium is best covered with small or medium pebbles. This species needs a constant neighborhood. If some individuals long enough to keep alone, then in the future they will find it difficult to get along with other fish.
For qualitative care of fish by parrots it is necessary to provide the following conditions:
- The water hardness should be in the range of 6-15 °
- comfortable temperature of fish parrots 24-26 ° C;
- be sure to follow continuous filtration and aeration;
- once a week, do a substitution of a tenth of the water;
- You can feed your pets with black bread, but vegetable food is preferable.
To aquarium fish parrots retain their bright color, they need to give specialized food with carotene. Although this species is very peaceful, during the spawning period, the fish can show aggression.
When breeding parrot fish beginners aquarists may face some diseases. As soon as your pets feel the slightest deviations, they will immediately begin to change their color: dark spots will appear. Often this symptom indicates an increased amount of nitrates in the water. The solution to this problem is to replace half the water in the aquarium and run it through the siphon. Once you notice that one of the fish sank to the bottom or began to sluggishly float, immediately set it to quarantine. Treatment is carried out by adding methylene blue to the ridge until a pale blue shade of water appears. Be sure to strengthen the aeration during the quarantine. Also, 0.5 g of kanamycin and half of the metronidazole tablet are added to the water. In a week your pet should recuperate.
"Manka" also hit this type of fish. As soon as the fish appeared in the aquarium with characteristic white grains on the body, immediately it is necessary to prosifonit the soil and add a specialized preparation in the specified dosage. Next, change half the water daily until the disease disappears.
Beginners aquarists sometimes wonder about how many fish parrots live. It all depends on the quality of care. On average, this type of fish can survive up to 8-9 years.
Fish Parrot: Reproduction
The male of this type of fish leads only one pair, therefore it is better to grow future growers in a separate aquarium first. Its volume should be at least 40 liters, we select 8-10 fry.
By reproduction, fish are ready at about one-year-old age. At the moment of readiness males find a pair and choose a shelter. There they already do not admit anyone. To stimulate spawning, the water temperature should not be above 28 ° C.
During the breeding season a female parrotfish sweeps out about 300 reddish-brown eggs. Fish beforehand prepare special shelters in the form of holes for the larvae after hatching. Five days later the young grows slowly and swim and eat plankton.