The parrot-fish: management and care (photo)

Beginning aquarists cannot pass bright beautiful water-fishes-parrots. Maintenance and care under strength as experienced connoisseurs of this case, and fans. It is important to understand that it is not about the parrot family from the Pacific and Indian oceans. These largest specimens reach a length of twenty five cm or more and live in coral reefs. The article is devoted to hybrid parrots.

There are these creatures some thirty years ago. During this time they have become incredibly popular. This is connected not only with appearance but also with the simplicity of maintenance. For individuals it is interesting to observe they are not aggressive and pose at the bottom of the architectural composition. How did these attractive residents aquariums?

Origin Story

Fish parrot appeared in 1991 as a result of the Taiwan breeders. Derived hybrids was by crossing several species of fish. It is assumed that without the South American cichlids. But certainly no one will say. A hybrid called red parrot.

These bright inhabitants of aquariums are very popular around the world. But what attracts them?

Description

The Length of an adult fish-parrot is eight to fifteen inches. Body oblong, flattened laterally. The head has an irregular shape, which the flexures and the little mouth resembles a parrot's beak. Hence the name fish. Middle eyes placed on the sides and slightly convex. Their pupils are large and dark, and the iris is light, often bluish.

The Most common color orange - red or yellow. However, there are blue, red, green colors. There is even among them albinos. The fins have the same tone as the whole body. When choosing, it is important to note that Pets with a rare color have a lowered immunity.

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Some owners complain that individuals blue and other colors over time, lose their color and become red. Usually the body of the fish is lost from severe stress, illness, sudden changes of life in the aquarium. But these animals can lose color for a different reason. The fact that it was created in Asia aquarium Pets have interesting colors by eating special food. It consists of peeled shrimp and vegetable components. If you stop to give such food, the fish will start to lose its color. Compounding the situation is the strong light. It is therefore recommended to reduce the intensity and to find suitable food.

Aquarium

Tank hybrids from Taiwan must have no less than seventy inches in length. For a couple of fish would be the optimal volume of two hundred liters. Care must be taken that it was covered with a lid or mesh as they are able to jump out of the water. Why the need for a large aquarium?

Fish-parrots very active. They need to swim a lot. But the lights will not be required. They are comfortable in the mild half-light. In the large tank is not the only Asian, but other types of fish.

Water

The Content of fish-parrot provides a water temperature within +22 to 26 °C. Its acidity must be seven units, and rigidity – six to fifteen units. Once every seven days you should replace between thirty and fifty percent water.

Water should have low current, so a pump with aeration will not be superfluous. And because these fish are often malnourished food, you should take care of a good filter. He will maintain cleanliness in the aquarium.

Occupancy aquarium

Fish red parrot requires no special plants of a particular design. It is important to occupy the bottom ground of small stones. Pets like to pick their noses. Mouth they build their nests. So he woke up and saw on the bottom of the specific shelter, it is not surprising. It is better that the soil was dark in color. It's brighter and will show Pets in a contrasting color. In addition, because the water in the aquarium will be more shaded than bright bottom.

The Layer of pebbles should be at least five centimeters. Can be planted gastrostomies algae, put a coconut cave. The rest of the decorations depend on the wishes and imagination of the owner. The main thing is to keep enough space for free swimming and admiring individuals.

Feeding

As seen in the photo, the parrot-fish is always an unusual mouth. Because the animal can absorb only a limited amount of food. The fact that it is not disclosed in sufficient volume. However, this does not prevent the fish from overeating. Therefore, in the case of obesity, it is better to arrange hungry days.

In the food they should be given live and dry food and vegetation. A list of possible products:

• Motyl;
• Shrimps;
• Squash;
• Cucumber.

Allowed the use of prepared feeds manufacturers. To the colors of fish are not faded, you need to give them a feed with carotene.

Representatives of cichlids indifferent to the algae, so no need to worry that they will be eaten.

Compatibility

Fish parrot is quiet and peaceful character. The exception is for males during spawning. In order to place them with other Pets, is to acquire a reasonably spacious aquarium. No need to settle for neighbors small sizes. They can be eaten. And bad opening your mouth will not be a hindrance. Young considered individuals up to five centimeters. Therefore, it is best to keep neons in a separate tank.

Well they get along with the frogs, but there are types of amphibians that are able to eat their floating neighbors. Then the victim will be cichlids.

List the most appropriate neighbors:

• The soma of medium and large sizes;
• South American cichlids of small and medium sizes;
• Arovana;
• Tetras fish.

Looks Very impressive flock of red parrots living in a separate large aquarium.

Diseases

If the conditions are fully suitable fish-parrot, she will live for about ten years. It is quite resistant to major diseases of aquarium inhabitants. However for many years without problems not to manage. So the fish is not sick, she needs a proper care.

If the body of the pet are dark spots, it is necessary to clean the soil and change the water in the tank. This will reduce the content of nitrates, which are the cause of unnatural spots.

If one of the fish sank to the bottom and began to swim is not as active as the others, it should be deposited into a separate container. To her, the water should mix with methylene blue, half tablet "Metronidazole", half a gram of "Kanamycin". The water should be changed daily, each time adding the cure. Cichlid should recover in five to seven days.

Infection with Ichthyophthirius. On the body of animals is formed by the white plaque in the form of pellets, which resemble porridge. First of all, you need to change the water and wash the filter. Then in clean water, put medicine “Costeur”. Dosage need to look at instructions. Usually it is twenty-two drops of the drug on forty liters of water. You must turn off the lighting to the components of the drugs are not decomposed. The procedure for changing the water and adding drops should be repeated daily until signs of disease disappear. Although the manufacturer recommends adding the drops through the day. But it all depends on the severity of the disease.

Some day, you may notice the fish floating belly up. This is probably a swim bladder disease. It arises from malnutrition. To get rid of the problem will allow the feeding of grains of peas once a week. Before that, they need to clear. It is also worth to make sure the pet does not overeat.

Gender differences

It is Possible to distinguish a male from a female fish-parrot (photo presented in the article), if you look for the following features:

• Pink edging. During spawning, the male on the gills and throat appears fringe pink tones.
• Anal tubercle. In females it is pear-shaped, and the male resembles that of a cone.
• Dimensions. Usually the males are slightly larger than the female fish. But they must be the same age and kept in the same aquarium.
• Tail fin. In males, this fin has pointed tips, and females – - rounded.

Owners that hold fish-parrots of both sexes, of course, interested to know how you can breed them at home.

Breeding

At the beginning of the article mentioned that the Pets are hybrids. They are the result of crossing several species. Many aquarists do not leave attempts to get the offspring in the home.

They raise the water temperature to 27 °C. Then the fishes-parrots (cichlid) wakes up in the instinct. Eight month old Pets are getting ready to spawn. They build in ground nests, digging pits. Sometimes the female even lays eggs, but everything stops. What is the reason?

Unfortunately, the males are infertile. Therefore, producers grow new individuals only by crossing. But at the beginning of the spawning season has its advantages. The majority of experts claims that the fish begin the process of reproduction, only if all conditions are fulfilled the content. So, in the aquarium are satisfied, and the owner handles his business.

The Only place to create these amazing fish, is South-East Asia. From there they go to other countries. Firms that are breeding, keep the whole process in strict confidence. They want to remain a monopoly in this business. That is why it is impossible to know exactly what types of cichlids are involved in the crossing.

Some aquarium owners say that female parakeets lay eggs, which are fertilized by the males Akari. As a result of the eggs appear fish fry. To verify such information difficult. However, it gives hope to many fans of the aquarium.

Interestingly, their bright color hybrids get only five months. Juveniles have a greyish-black colour. So assured by the manufacturer. Therefore, if fry received at home, also grey, do not despair. You may need to wait. Of course, the result is not quite red parrots, but not less thanattractive fish.