How long do parrotfish generally live, and what is the maximum lifespan?
Parrotfish are tropical fish that live in coral reefs, also known as parrotfish, parrotfish, red wedge sea bream, etc. They are named for their bright colors and mouths that closely resemble a parrot's beak. Their body shape is roughly spherical or oval, with an adorable triangular mouth that always seems to be smiling with lips that never quite close, which is why they are deeply loved by fish enthusiasts. Now let's take a look at how long parrotfish live!
How long do parrotfish live?
The lifespan of parrotfish is generally 4 to 5 years, and under good rearing conditions they can live over 6 years, usually growing to over 20 cm. Actually, the lifespans of different parrotfish varieties are not quite the same. For example, macaw parrotfish and wealth god parrotfish can live as long as 8 years. The shortest-lived are not ordinary parrotfish, but those that have been color-injected or surgically altered. Although these fish look beautiful, at best they can live about two years, and most will quietly die within a year, making them suitable only for keepers who want a novelty.
How should parrotfish be kept properly?
1. Density: The stocking density of parrotfish should not be too high, because parrotfish are quite active. An 80 cm aquarium should hold about 20 fish. Also, do not keep parrotfish mixed with other fish groups, to avoid them being startled. Startled fish will become thin and their colors will fade.
2. Water temperature: The water temperature for keeping parrotfish should be controlled between 21 and 35°C, with 25 to 30°C being best. Parrotfish also prefer fresh water, so about 1/5 of the water should be changed daily if possible. If the water is weakly acidic and clear, then do not change the water too often.
3. Feeding: Parrotfish have a large appetite and are omnivorous. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, mealworms, small fish, water fleas, earthworms, pellets and so on can all be fed to them. They can be fed two to three times a day, with each feeding finished within 3 minutes, and any uneaten food should be removed promptly.
4. Lighting: The place where the parrotfish tank is placed should ideally receive 2 to 3 hours of sunlight. In places without sunlight, a 15-degree UV-containing lamp can be used for several hours a day. This can sterilize and also maintain the parrotfish's coloration.
5. Water quality: The water quality for keeping parrotfish must be kept excellent. The aquarium should be thoroughly cleaned about every 4 days, to avoid excessive breeding of bacteria in the water that could affect the parrotfish's health. Before it is time to clean the aquarium, a quarter of the water can be changed as appropriate.
Disease prevention and treatment for parrotfish
1. Saprolegniasis
[Symptoms] Infected fish usually have skin covered with white fuzz, losing the luster the fish body should have, and then become sluggish in activity, often appearing dull and floating at the water surface. If not treated promptly, the mold on the fish body spreads, the muscles at the affected areas rot, appetite decreases, and death ultimately results.
[Prevention and treatment] Try to prevent injury to the fish body and bites from parasites, and a small amount of salt can be added to the water to inhibit the occurrence of saprolegniasis. When infection of the fish body is found, it can be soaked and washed with 3% salt water, once a day, for 5 to 10 minutes each time.
2. White spot disease
[Symptoms] In the early stage of the disease, white spot-like specks are scattered on the pectoral fins, dorsal fin, caudal fin and body surface skin. Although the diseased fish still forage as usual, they often gather at the corners of the tank and rub against each other. After a few days, the white spots cover the whole body, and the diseased fish often float dully at the water surface.
[Prevention and treatment] Raise the water temperature to 28°C. After a few days, the Ichthyophthirius breaks apart and falls off. Replace with new water and maintain the water temperature, and the diseased fish will basically recover. Alternatively, bathe them in a 0.05 to 0.07% concentration merbromin solution for 5 to 15 minutes, continuing for 2 to 3 days, with good results.
3. Rot disease
[Symptoms] Bleeding points appear on the fish body, the fins change from bright red and congested to pale and then rot away, and the gill filaments also change from red to white, with some rotting away. Generally the disease comes on acutely and spreads quickly, causing massive death within 2 to 3 days.
[Prevention and treatment] Stop feeding for 4 to 5 days, pull out the aquatic plants in the tank and rinse them clean with fresh water, and disinfect them with methylene blue for 15 to 30 minutes. Add the antibiotic penicillin to the whole tank. Generally the disease can be controlled and cured in 4 to 5 days.
4. Rotifer disease
[Symptoms] Rotifers gather into a cloud-like mass in the tank, the fish float at the water surface, and the rotifers parasitize everywhere on the fish body and inside the gills. The mucus on the body increases, and breathing becomes difficult. If not treated promptly, it can also cause massive death.
[Prevention and treatment] Pour out all the water in the tank, move the fish into a new tank, and then add some medication. The specific remedy is copper sulfate, and when adding it, be careful that there are no aquatic plants in the tank.