The parrot fish is in many ways superior to its aquarium counterparts, since it has a very unique ability to recognize its owner. In addition, these fish are considered one of the brightest, which allows them to act as a decoration for a home living corner.
The parrotfish belongs to the perchiformes family, limited to 10 genera and 80 species. These fish were named so because of their color and the shape of the head, which in front resembles the beak of the bird of the same name.
The parrot fish is usually chosen for its beauty, curious disposition and unpretentiousness. Those fish that are kept in aquarium conditions are smaller than those that live in their natural environment. The male can reach 10 cm, the female - 7 cm.
Not many fish of other species are able to distinguish their owner, which cannot be said about the parrotfish, which is extremely exciting to watch. Aquarium pets, recognizing the owner, swim closer and begin to behave in a very peculiar way.
The body of the fish has an oblong shape, the back is painted in a bright dark brown color. Females, as a rule, are somewhat more backward than males, they have bright red pelvic fins, and their dorsal fin has dark spots, which are limited by a wide edging of golden hue. The abdomen of the female can be of different colors, including red, blue, yellow or green.
Varieties of parrot fish
The parrot fish is represented by several species, one of which is albino. Even those males who have a traditional color choose females of this variety.
The second variety is a red parrot, whose representatives are distinguished by the presence of an unusual hump. But the males of the species of parrot fish Roloffa are distinguished by a yellowish-gray color, females can be distinguished by their grayish-brown color and crimson belly.
Representatives of yellow-bellied pelmatochromis sometimes reach 12 cm in length. The males are distinguished by a grayish-beige color, in addition, dark stripes are widespread on their body. The gills and abdomen are yellowish, and the fins have a red edging. The female can be distinguished by its bright red abdomen and turquoise-emerald gill covers.
There is a variety of reticulated parrot fish. Males of this subspecies have a body that is painted grayish-yellow. The pectoral fins are yellow in color, while the pelvic fins are black. Females are distinguished by a light yellow body color, but the abdomen and fins are distinguished by a light cherry hue.
Reproduction
The parrot fish reaches sexual maturity after 8 months of life. Egg deposition is preceded by settling in shelters, which can be compared to caves. The fish do not eat the laid eggs, and both the male and the female take care of the offspring.
