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

The red parrot is one of the most popular aquarium fish that has won the hearts of many almost immediately as it appeared. This species was bred by crossing several cichlids. Parrots, like other fish, have a large number of advantages and disadvantages that aquarists need to study before buying representatives of the family Cichlidae. In the article, we will describe the red parrot, and talk about the nuances of its contents and breeding.

It is impossible to meet this species in the natural habitat, as it appeared as a result of the selection activity of aquarists. She was taken to Taiwan laboratories in 1964. For this, several representatives of the cichlid family were used at once, among which were Severum cichloma and labiatum. They appeared in Russia in 1993. The fish immediately gained immense popularity among exotic lovers. Bright color, good looks and unpretentiousness in care were appreciated.

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

First of all, it should be noted a small mouth of a strange shape, which greatly complicates the nutrition procedure and does not allow fish to confront large individuals with a large mouth. This species has a slightly deformed swimming bladder and spine, which has a negative effect on swimming ability. Representatives of the family of cichlids cannot live long in the natural environment; they need special aquarium conditions. Cichlid is a rather large fish, has a round, barrel-shaped body. With proper care, the length of the fish reaches 23-25 ​​cm. Due to the structural features of the trunk and small fins the 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 show incisors and fangs. This species is not very cute, on the contrary, a funny muzzle acts repulsively on some. It would seem that there is nothing attractive in them, but this is not so.

Typically, 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. During the experiments, parrots with an interesting color are obtained, a similar effect is achieved thanks to dyes that are added to the feed.

However, when buying fish in blue or purple, 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, new breeds of fish continue to be bred, some are obtained on the basis of a hybrid of cichlids. Such 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 a year and a half, when individuals reach puberty.

Even beginners can cope with the content of red parrots. Representatives of this breed are unpretentious in care, so providing them with comfortable conditions is quite simple.

When hybrids appeared on the market, sellers and first buyers were faced with the problem of feeding. 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 eat sloppy and leave a large amount of waste, which is why the tank will have to be washed more often than usual. However, this problem is solved, it is enough to hook non-aggressive catfish to the fish, which will clean the bottom by eating the rest of the food and preventing its decomposition.

In principle, this species is considered omnivorousif food is placed in the mouth, they can eat both live and non-living food. For daily feeding, it is better to take flocculent, tableted or granular products. You can diversify them a little different food. For example, shrimp, small worms, live guppies, live or frozen artemia moths are great. Many aquarists include in the menu for parrots vegetable and meat products.

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

There are a number of rules for keeping and designing aquariums for parrot fish.

• Cichlids are rather large fish, they leave a large amount of waste. Therefore, they need a wide space for swimming - the volume of the tank with water should be at least 150 liters. With a smaller aquarium, the lifespan of parrots can be reduced.
• Water temperature should be at the level of +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 ammonia be allowed. The nitrate value should not exceed 30 mg / l.
• Water needs mandatory filtration and aeration.
• Moderate lighting with red rays will give the fish an even more spectacular look.
• There are no requirements for the soil, it is only important that there are no large and sharp stones that can harm the budgerigars.
• This hybrid does not spoil the vegetation in the aquarium, so you can plant several algae along the back wall and on the sides.

There is a small item that must be considered when designing an aquarium. Red parrots cannot breed 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 are preparing for spawning, like other species they spawn and lay it in previously dug nests. When preparing pits, cichlids can dig vegetation, but they do it every year in the same place. To save the plant from spoilage, transplant it to another place. Fish need shelter take care of the presence of a variety of snags and labyrinths inside the aquarium.

Red parrots differ from most cichlids, as they are peace-loving fish. Calm and flexible, they get along well with other large individuals. The optimal "roommates" for them will be scalars, swordsmen and tetras. And also parrots get along well with peaceful catfish. If the neighbors begin to show their aggressive qualities in relation to cichlids, immediately transfer them to another aquarium. It is necessary to regularly monitor 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.

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

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

Until six months of age, 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 babies are fed and parents, they chew food in the mouth, and then spit out in the center of the pack. Feeding babies is necessary up to 6 times a day.

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

About the features of the red parrot, see below.