Blue parrot fish: description and recommendations for content
An unusually beautiful and bright parrot fish always attracts the attention of true aquarium connoisseurs. Blue parrotfish looks very unusual in a home aquarium against the backdrop of green algae. What exactly this blue fish looks like, how to feed it and how to properly care for it, we will tell you in this article.
Specifications
Many, when they hear about the existence of a parrot fish, imagine a bright and beautiful inhabitant of a home aquarium. And indeed it is. The parrot fish, which belongs to the cichlid family, got this name for a reason. The shape of the head of this fish is kind of really reminiscent of a parrot.... In addition, representatives of this species have a very unusual and bright color. Parrot fish can be red, yellow, blue, or even golden brown.
It is easy to recognize whether it is a female or a male, since they differ in size. The female is several times smaller than the male, but slightly fuller. As a rule, its length does not reach 5 cm. The male is larger and can reach 7 cm in length. In addition, males have a sharper shape of fins and spots on the tail. The size of the fish largely depends on the conditions in which it will live.... For example, sometimes at home, this colorful fish can grow up to 10-12 cm in length.
It should be noted that this species is hybrid. It appeared thanks to breeders from Taiwan. If initially they were only red, then later Asian specialists managed to bring out fish of completely different colors.
Parrot fish can be safely classified as sociable and friendly inhabitants of the aquarium. After some time, they begin to recognize their owners and can even play with them, approaching close to the glass.
Feeding and care
Like any pet, aquarium fish need proper care and feeding. If you follow all the recommendations and rules, then a parrot fish can live for about 10 years at home.
Most aquarists love parrot fish not only for their beauty, but also for their unpretentiousness. Thanks to this, even novice lovers of domestic fish can afford to purchase such a bright miracle as the blue parrotfish.
The volume of the aquarium for such a pet should be at least 150 liters, and the length should be at least 70 cm. The fact is that the parrot fish is very active and is constantly in motion, so it needs space. As for the comfortable water temperature, the ideal option is 24-26 °. The water should always be clean and fresh. Experienced aquarists recommend changing at least a third of the water daily. This will have a positive effect on the health, well-being and activity of a living being.
It is best to put small pebbles and sand at the bottom of the aquarium. Remember that against the background of dark soil, such bright fish will look very impressive. In order to create comfortable conditions for the parrot fish, be sure to place in the aquarium not only plants, but also various decorative caves and driftwood. Representatives of this species are very fond of such secluded corners.
By the way, since these fish are very fond of digging, the roots of plants must be covered with large stones, otherwise they will easily dig them up.
The parrot fish cannot be called a big fussy in terms of food. And this is definitely another plus. They always eat both dry and live food with great appetite. Bloodworms or shrimps are perfect for them. Dry food should be chosen only of the highest quality, since the well-being and life expectancy of your pet depends on it. Do not forget that the fish diet should not be complete without plant feeding.
Often at home, such bright fish begin to lose their original color, become paler. To avoid this, you should buy additionally such feeds that contain special additives to maintain color. Be sure to consult with a specialist to choose high-quality food that will not harm the health of a living being.
Neighborhood
In the event that you want to add a parrot fish to other fish in your home aquarium or buy a neighbor for it, then you should learn more about who they can get along with.
Blue parrotfish are quite peaceful and friendly creatures. They are calm about the fact that other fish live with them in the neighborhood. But for greater safety and comfort, it is best to add individuals of the same size to them. This will make them feel better. Too small specimens should not be chosen, as they can completely accidentally swallow them. Other types of cichlids, as well as small catfish and swordtails, get along well next to such bright fish.
If you want a wide variety of fish species, including parrot fish, to live in your home aquarium, then they should be populated at the same time. The fact is that if she lives for some time alone or with her own kind, then after that she may not accept a new neighbor. And if representatives of different species are populated at the same time, then the parrot fish very quickly gets used to its neighbors and will be very friendly towards them.
See a video below with a story about the parrot fish and the rules for keeping it.
