How to keep parrot fish so they turn red? Five methods to tell males from females
Parrot fish, also known as parrotfish, is a tropical fish that lives in coral reefs. Because of its brilliant colors and easy keeping, it is widely farmed. At present, many people like to keep a few at home or in the office, so how do you keep parrot fish so they turn red? How do you tell males from females?
1. Introduction to parrot fish:
1. How big can parrot fish grow?
Parrot fish can grow to about 25-35cm and weigh 1.2-1.8 kg, but ordinary ones generally only grow to about 15cm.
2. What types of parrot fish are there?
Common parrot fish, blood parrot fish, king kong parrot fish, red yuanbao parrot fish, red god of wealth parrot fish, unicorn parrot fish, one heart parrot fish, red and white parrot fish, plum blossom parrot fish, candy parrot fish.
2. How do you keep parrot fish so they turn red?
1. Fish tank selection: a hexagonal fish tank is good
Parrot fish are small in size and do not have great demands on the fish tank, but in order to bring good fortune, a hexagonal fish tank is generally chosen. It not only generates prosperity in water, but also brings good luck no matter whether the owner's five elements belong to water, metal, wood, earth, or fire.
2. Number selection: keeping 1, 6, 8, or 9 is good
Parrot fish can bring wealth to the home, so when keeping them, it is best to keep 1, 6, 8, or 9, because keeping one can prosper wealth, keeping six allows metal to generate water, keeping eight brings auspicious stars, and keeping nine prospers wealth.
3. Water temperature requirements: 25-30 degrees is best
Parrot fish have strong adaptability and do not have high water temperature requirements. They generally grow well at a water temperature of 25-30 degrees. If maintained at around 28 degrees for a long time, parrot fish will turn red. But parrot fish are also very sensitive to sudden changes in water temperature, so during keeping, try to control the water temperature well.
4. Oxygen requirements: oxygen must be sufficient
Parrot fish have a poor ability to control the flow of water they take in and out, so they have high oxygen requirements. Generally, only when the oxygen in the water is sufficient can they grow healthily.
5. Light requirements: maintain 1-2 hours of strong light exposure at fixed times every day
Parrot fish have high light requirements. Generally, giving 1-2 hours of strong light exposure at fixed times every day can make them turn red, so during keeping, try to ensure sufficient light. It is worth noting that the light time should not be too long, so as to avoid leaving the fish tank in a dim state after the lights are turned off, which is not conducive to the growth of parrot fish. If the fish tank does not face the sun, then two hours of artificial light is needed to meet the light requirements.
6. Feed: feed some color-enhancing feed
Parrot fish have a wide diet and eat almost anything, such as bloodworms, water lice, live shrimp, flakes, artificial bait, and so on, but if you want parrot fish to turn red, you must feed some color-enhancing feed. It is worth noting that you absolutely must not feed small river fish, so as to avoid adverse effects on the gills and cause the parrot fish's body color to fade. In addition, before feeding, be sure to turn on the light for five minutes first, and then feed slowly. Generally, feeding once a day is enough. If kept mixed with large fish, it is best to feed some pellet feed, so as to avoid the parrot fish being unable to grab food and starving to death.
7. Water change requirements: change the water once every three days
Parrot fish have relatively high water quality requirements. Generally, changing the water once every three days and changing one quarter each time can make parrot fish turn red. If the water is not changed often, the parrot fish will lose color and lose their ornamental value.
3. How do you tell male and female parrot fish apart?
Method 1: Look at body color: male parrot fish are relatively red in body color, while female parrot fish are slightly paler in body color and easily turn white.
Method 2: Look at the reproductive organs: the reproductive organs of male parrot fish are relatively smooth, and the protruding part is not obvious, while the reproductive organs of female parrot fish are relatively protruding and easy to see.
Method 3: Look at the abdomen: the abdomen of male parrot fish is relatively smooth, while the abdomen of female parrot fish is slightly swollen, especially more obvious when close to spawning.
Method 4: Look at the dorsal fin and anal fin: the dorsal fin and anal fin of male parrot fish are slightly pointed and long, and some will exceed the caudal fin, while the dorsal fin and anal fin of female parrot fish are slightly short and generally will not exceed the caudal fin.
Method 5: See whether they are aggressive: male parrot fish are relatively aggressive and easily develop a head hump, while female parrot fish are not aggressive and generally only suddenly develop a head hump before spawning.
The above is the knowledge on keeping parrot fish and the methods for distinguishing males from females. We hope it is helpful to everyone.