Who are parrot cichlids?

Among the fans of tropical fish are very popular small cichlid parrots. Breeding them is not a problem, besides these fish have a bright color and easily differ on the floor. Otherwise they are also called "cichlids red parrots." Usually, these fish are associated with bloodthirsty monsters that attack neighbors in the aquarium, and dig up and devour aquatic plants. But the described horrors, fortunately, do not belong to the parrots.

They are the best option for aquariums in which viviparous or haracine neighbors coexist. Males of guppies to live together with cichlids are not dangerous, unless, of course, do not forget to feed the latter. Cichlids, although they respect their territory, but do not cause any damage to other residents of the home pond. As a shelter, algae also do not attract them. In the way of life parrots remind lamromologists or yulidochromis, albeit with a more peaceable disposition.

Systematists divide these fish into species and subspecies depending on the coloring options. Most often now there is the name pelvikahromis, for example, pelvikahromis pulcher - a fish 8 cm long. Some experts sing out pelvikahromis cameron - baby with golden back.

Content

Cichlids parrots prefer pure old water with a weakly acidic or neutral reaction, although it should be noted that salted or slightly alkaline water also does not cause any problems. The basis of their food is small invertebrates, as well as algae. Particularly unpretentious and omnivorous fish are cichlid parrots. Reproduction of them is quite active.

Breeding

By eight months, the fish are sexually mature. In order to lay eggs, parrot cichlids find shelter, a cave, which can be a coconut shell or a flower pot. Once a female is able to put up to 60 eggs. Take care of the offspring, and the female, and the male on a par, will never allow themselves to eat their babies. The fry are cared for a long time until they grow to 1 cm. After that, the fish are ready for the next clutch.

Parents help the kids in search of food, stirring up the soil, and sometimes chewing large pieces, as the settled particles of food are most preferable for fry as opposed to dust. Flocks of parrot fry under the guidance of their parents are looking for food that is in the form of a raid or sediment in the ground. Preference in the feed of cichlids should be given infusoria, artemia, various microcourses of artificial origin.

In the presence of a large enough aquarium house, parrot cichlids can live in it as a whole flock. But in this case, it is necessary to remember that these are monogamous fish, although the males also manage to sweep off the strange female. Apparently, for this reason, female individuals protect their males from rivals. In these cases, the male tries to stay away from the investigating attitude of the females. It is the female parrots that play the main role in choosing the spawning site, as they are more resolute and aggressive. Maybe that's why this is a rare kind of fish, in which females have a more spectacular coloring than males.