The unusually beautiful and bright parrot fish always attracts the attention of real connoisseurs of aquarium. Blue parrot fish looks very unusual in a home aquarium against a background of green algae. What exactly does this blue fish look like, how to feed it and how to properly care for it, we will tell in this article.
Characteristics
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, has received this name for a reason. The shape of the head of this fish partly really resembles 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.
Recognizing whether it is a female or a male is easy, as they vary 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, the males have a more pointed fin shape and spots on the tail. The size of the fish in many respects depends on the conditions in which it will live. For example, sometimes at home, this bright fish can grow up to 10-12 cm in length.
It is worth noting that this species is hybrid. He 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 attributed to the category of sociable and friendly inhabitants of the aquarium. After some time, they begin to recognize their masters 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 the parrot fish can live 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 get such a bright miracle as a blue parrot fish.
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 constantly in motion, so it needs room. As for the comfortable water temperature, the ideal option is 24-26 °. Water should always be clean and fresh. Experienced aquarists recommend changing at least a third of the water daily. This will positively affect the health, well-being and activity of a living creature.
At the bottom of the aquarium, it is best to put small pebbles and sand. Remember that against the background of dark soil, such bright fish will look very impressive. In order to create comfortable conditions for a parrot fish, be sure to place not only plants, but also various decorative caves and driftwood in the aquarium. Representatives of this species are very fond of such nooks and crannies.
By the way, since these fish love to dig, the roots of plants must be covered with large stones, otherwise they will be easy to dig them out.
Parrot fish can not be called a big fickle in terms of food. And this, of course, is another plus. They always eat with great appetite both dry and live food. Great for them are bloodworms or shrimp. Dry food should be selected only of the highest quality, as the well-being and life expectancy of your pet will depend on this. Do not forget that the diet of fish should not do without plant nutrition.
Often at home, such bright fish begin to lose their original color and become paler. To avoid this, you should buy additional feeds that have special additives to maintain color. Be sure to consult a specialist to choose a quality food that does not harm the health of a living creature.
Neighborhood
In the event that you want to hook a parrot fish to other fish in a home aquarium or purchase a neighbor for it, then you should learn more about who they can get along with.
Blue parrot fish are quite peaceful and friendly creatures. They calmly relate to the fact that other fish live next door to them. But for greater safety and comfort, it is best to hook individuals of the same size to them. So they will feel better. Too small specimens should not be chosen, since they can accidentally swallow them. Other cichlids, as well as small catfish and swordsmen, get along well with such bright fish.
If you want a variety of fish species to live in your home aquarium, including parrot fish, 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 afterwards she may not accept a new neighbor. And if representatives of different species are populated at the same time, then the parrot fish gets used to its neighbors very quickly and will be very friendly to them.
Below you can watch a video about the parrot fish and its rules.
