An aquarist always looks for beautiful fish to enhance the aesthetics of the aquarium. Look no further; bring Yellow Parrot fish right away. These fish are unique, colorful, hardy, and active and a beautiful addition to your fish tank.
Knowing all the parameters to keep them healthy and shiny is necessary. The article has shed more light on these immensely popular community fish.
From Where Does Yellow Parrot Fish Originate?
Yellow Parrot fish belong to the Cichlid family. However, they are not a natural fish; means they are man-made. Research is still ongoing to determine their exact origin, yet there are no concrete results.
Many marine researchers have previously guessed that they are a freshwater hybrid fish from Taiwan. They were mixed with Central American Cichlids.
Yellow Parrot Cichlids Appearance
Yellow Parrot fish look like colorful softballs. They enjoy swimming in the middle of the water. Most yellow Parrot fish are 3-5 inches long, but they can grow up to 8 inches long.
They got the name Parrot because of the unique, deformed mouth that often resembles a Parrot.
Types of Cichlids
As mentioned before, yellow parrot fish are human-bred, so they are available in many different colors. Apart from purple, red, white, and blood red are pretty common among Yellow Parrot fish.
The Blood Red Parrot fish are further hybridized into King Kong Parrot fish, snow white or platinum Parrot fish, Flowerhorn fish, and polar blue Parrot fish.
What’s The Price Range For Yellow Parrot Fish?
Yellow Parrot Fish are available at all reputed pet stores and fish stores. They cost $15-$20, but the prices might go higher depending on the type, color, and age.
What Are The Aquarium Requirements For Yellow Parrot Fish?
The aquarium setup for Yellow Parrot fish is similar to a fancy Goldfish setup. Here are the main parameters to tick before putting Yellow Parrot fish in the fish tank.
Temperature And pH
Yellow Parrot fish can live in temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep them healthy, try to keep the water pH between 6.5 and 8.5.
Tank Size
It depends on the number of fish you will keep in a single tank.
If you plan to keep only the Yellow Parrot fish, start with a big tank (at least 30 gallons). To keep six Yellow Parrots together, go for a larger tank of 75 gallons.
Plantation
Experienced fish hobbyists recommend plants as decorations inside the tank. The reason is that fish’s mouths are too small to damage the plants.
Yellow Parrot Fish Food
Yellow Parrots like to eat food by scooping rather than biting. Their smaller mouths make biting difficult.
Sprinkle some pellets that can float, and the fish have to come to the surface to grab them. This way, the gravity will pull them down, making it easy for them to scoop down the food.
Feed small pellets if you have baby Yellow Parrot Cichlids and large pellets for adult Yellow Cichlids.
Yellow Parrot Fish Behavior
Just like every other fish, Yellow Parrots become aggressive when they feel stressed. Despite their small mouths, they try to act as if they will eat their tank mates. Usually, the Yellow Parrots act like bullies and feel like tank bosses.
To prevent them from bullying, add tall decorations inside the tank so they can rarely see their mates. You can also increase the size of the tank.
Can Yellow Parrot Fish Live With Other Tank Mates?
Yellow Parrots easily become peaceful with tank mates over time. However, they tend to be aggressive at first because they are active swimmers and expect the same from their mates. Therefore, avoid keeping them with aggressive fish species.
Fish that are perfect as tank mates include Catfish, Oscars, Angelfish, and large Tetras. Bettas, Guppies, and Goldfish are not ideal tank mates.
Yellow Parrot Reproduction
Fish enthusiasts interested in breeding have to find other ways to produce more of them. The reason is that male Yellow Parrots are mostly infertile. The main cause of male infertility is due to hybridization.
Still, the pairing is possible. If it happens, the female lays eggs on flat surfaces, and both secure them from predators. The eggs hatch in around four days.
Another way is to cross the female with other fish from the Cichlid family. The likely results are beautiful crossbreeds. Make sure the water conditions are up to the mark before breeding.
Can Yellow Parrot Turn Black?
When the Yellow Parrot is small, it has black markings. The black spots fade away as it ages.
Black spots may start appearing if your pet fish feels stress. It’s better to consult a vet for further advice.
Are Yellow Parrot Fish Immune To Fish Diseases?
Diseases like fin rot, swim bladder disorder, and Ick are quite common among Yellow Parrot fish. Follow the set parameters to prevent all diseases.
Final Thoughts
I have explained everything about ornamental fish that are perfect for your aquarium. Apart from the Yellow Parrot species, all other Cichlids are beautiful to keep in a home aquarium.
Whichever fish species you buy, don’t compromise on its health. Ensure proper living conditions to keep them healthy and happy.
