Red parrot: description of fish, rules of keeping and breeding

The red parrot is one of the most popular aquarium fish, which conquered the hearts of many almost as soon as it appeared. This species was bred by breeders by crossing several cichlids. Parrots, like other fish, have many advantages and disadvantages that aquarists need to study before purchasing cichlids. In the article, we will present a description of the red parrot, talk about the nuances of its maintenance and breeding.

It is impossible to meet this species in its natural habitat, since it appeared as a result of the selection activity of aquarists. She was taken out in Taiwanese laboratories in 1964. For this, several representatives of the cichlid family were used at once, among which were the cichlazoma severum and labiatum. They appeared in Russia in 1993. The fish immediately gained immense popularity among exotic lovers. Bright color, pretty appearance and unpretentious care were appreciated.

Due to the high demand and profit received, Asian scientists decided not to disclose the secret of selection to the whole world. And since individuals cannot reproduce in captivity on their own, Taiwanese breeders continue to maintain a monopoly on the species.

First of all, a small mouth of a strange shape should be noted, which significantly complicates the feeding procedure and does not allow the fish to resist large individuals with a large mouth. This species has a slightly deformed swim bladder and spine, which has a negative effect on swimming ability. Representatives of the cichlov family will not be able to live long in their natural environment; they need special aquarium conditions. The cichlid is a rather large fish with a round, barrel-shaped body. With proper care, the length of the fish reaches 23-25 ​​cm... Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the body and small fins red parrots move a little awkwardly. The tail is also quite small.

The species got its name due to the hump on the nose, because of which it looks more like a beak. Some parrots have incisors and canines visible. This view is not very cute, on the contrary, the funny face on some is repulsive. It would seem that there is nothing attractive about them, but this is not so.

As a rule, fish have an unusual red, orange or yellow color. But since this hybrid is the result of breeding work, scientists can give individuals a variety of shades using chemicals. In the course of experiments, parrots with an interesting color are obtained; a similar effect is achieved thanks to the dyes that are added to the food.

However, when buying blue or purple fish, remember that without these additives, they will not be able to maintain brightness for a long time, and soon the fish will turn pale. In Asia, more and more fish breeds continue to be developed, some are based on a hybrid of cichlids. These species have a wide color palette, and sometimes you can find albino.

Males and females of the red parrot practically do not differ from each other at an early age. Differences begin to stand out after one and a half years, when individuals reach sexual maturity.

Even beginners can handle the content of red parrots. Representatives of this breed are unpretentious in care, therefore it is quite simple to provide them with comfortable conditions.

When hybrids appeared on the market, sellers and early buyers were faced with a feeding problem. Due to the small mouth of an unusual shape, not every food was suitable for these fish. In modern pet stores, you can find a variety of diets designed specifically for red parrots. Cichlids do not eat carefully and leave a lot of waste, which will require cleaning the tank more often than usual. However, this problem can be solved, it is enough to add non-aggressive catfish to parrots to fish, which will clean the bottom, eating the remains of food and preventing its decomposition.

In principle, this species is considered omnivorous.if food fits in the mouth, they can eat both live and non-living food. For daily complementary foods, it is better to take flaky, tableted or granular products.... You can diversify them a little with other food. For example, shrimp, small worms, live guppies, live or frozen moths with brine shrimp are perfect. Many aquarists include plant and meat products on their parrots' menus.

When breeders bred this type of fish, it was found that they are more tenacious and prone to heterosis than the breeds taken as the basis. Red parrots are the owners of good health and strong immunity, they can easily tolerate even sudden changes in water temperature. Such a high vitality makes this species optimal for beginners in the aquarium business.

There are a number of rules for the maintenance and design of aquariums for parrot fish.

• Cichlids are quite large fish, they leave a lot of waste. Therefore, they need a wide space for swimming - the volume of the water tank must be at least 150 liters. A smaller aquarium may reduce the lifespan of your parrots.
• The water temperature should be at +27.28 degrees Celsius.
• The optimal indicator of water hardness varies between 5-7. The hydrogen level is about 6-7 units.
• In no case should the presence of ammonia or ammonium be allowed. The nitrate index should not exceed 30 mg / l.
• Water needs mandatory filtration and aeration.
• Moderate illumination with rays of the red spectrum will give the fish an even more spectacular appearance.
• There are no requirements for the soil, it is only important that there are no large and sharp stones that can harm the parrots.
• This hybrid does not spoil the vegetation in the aquarium, so you can plant some algae along the back wall and on the sides.

There is a small point to consider when setting up an aquarium. Red parrots cannot reproduce on their own, as their males are sterile. However, this does not mean at all that they do not feel the call of nature.

Representatives of the cichlid family prepare for spawning, like other species, they spawn and lay them in previously dug nests. When preparing holes, cichlids can dig out vegetation, but they do this every year in the same place. To save the plant from damage, transplant it to another location. Fish need shelter take care of the variety of driftwood and labyrinths inside the aquarium.

Red parrots differ from most cichlids, as they are peace-loving fish. Calm and docile, they get along well with other large individuals. The optimal "cohabitants" for them will be scalars, swordtails and tetras. And also parrots get along well with peaceful catfish. If the neighbors begin to show their aggressive qualities towards cichlids, you must immediately transfer them to another aquarium. It is necessary to regularly observe the behavior of fish in the first weeks of a joint stay.

With proper care, red parrots can live up to 10 years, which is quite a lot for hybrids.

During the selection process, several species of fish were crossed, and this became the reason for the sterility of the males of this hybrid. However, the instincts of the parrots were preserved, and as soon as the temperature level exceeds +25 degrees Celsius, the fish begin to prepare for spawning. Males dig small nests, where females later lay eggs. Unfortunately, their fertilization is impossible, therefore it is impossible to breed offspring in a natural way. It should be noted that red parrots create strong pairs that are true to each other.

There are aquaurists who manage to breed mixed offspring of red parrots. To do this, they add a male of a similar breed to the female. As soon as she lays eggs, fish of the opposite sex must have time to fertilize them. Thus, it is possible to breed fry that are similar in appearance to the mother. The only difference is the color, which is usually passed on from the other parent.

Until the age of six months, the fish have a black-gray color, which later acquires a bright red hue. It is recommended to feed them with liquid food intended specifically for fry.Often, parents feed the babies, they chew food in their mouths, and then spit it out into the center of the flock. It is necessary to feed babies up to 6 times a day.

It is important to regularly change the water and the bottom siphon, which will increase the vitality of the fry and prevent the possibility of poisoning. Parrots are very peaceful, but fights can also arise, in which case it is necessary to separate the fish into different reservoirs.

For the features of the red parrot, see below.