How to Breed Parrot Fish

Parrot fish, or parrotfish, breeding is possible with the proper environment. The small, colorful parrot fish was once thought to be incapable of breeding in an aquarium. The shy, tropical cichlid have often laid eggs only for them to never hatch. However, this is beginning to change and some parrot fish owners are getting babies from their breeding pairs. Be sure to have plenty of space prepared for other fish in the aquarium prior to breeding.

Things You'll Need

  • Distilled water
  • Aquarium pebbles
  • Drift wood
  • Temperature gauge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the sex of the fish to be sure there is a male and a female. It is often hard to distinguish the males from the females prior to them breeding. Males tend to be larger and turn pink around the gills when they are ready to mate.

    • 2

      Feed the parrot fish brine shrimp. Brine shrimp gives the fish the nutrients and minerals needed for healthy offspring.

    • 3

      Replace 10 to 15 percent of the aquarium water with distilled water and raise the water temperature of the tank. Do not exceed 84 degrees. This is believed to encourage spawning.

    • 4

      Place new pebbles and driftwood in the tank. Parrot fish lay their eggs on hard surfaces. The pebbles and driftwood are close to the items in the wild where they would lay their eggs. In the wild, parrot fish hide in small caves and under sea plants. Adding artificial plants and caves encourage natural behaviors.

    • 5

      Keep the pH level between 6.6 and 6.8. This is ideal for the preservation of the laid eggs.

    • 6

      Remove other fish from the tank. This prevents other fish from eating the eggs and offers the timid parrot fish opportunity to come out of hiding and breed.