Information on Brackish Water Parrot Fish

Brackish water parrot fish are able to survive and breed in the waters found around estuaries. In these environments, the water has a higher saline content than freshwater found upstream but isn't as salty as the ocean waters. Brackish water parrot fish make colorful and hardy aquarium fish, living for up to 15 years in ideal settings.

  1. Physical Traits

    • The brackish water parrot fish is most readily recognized for having a fused set of lower jaw bones to create one tooth. As a result of this anatomy, the fish is unable to completely close its mouth. The external jaw is used to tear apart food items with a second set of teeth inside its mouth to actually grind its food into edible sizes. Many brackish water parrot fish such as the blood parrot are vibrant in color and have distinct front jaws. They grow to approximately 8 to 10 inches in length.

    Feeding

    • Parrot fish eat a wide variety of foods. In the wild, brackish water parrot fish consume algae, water plants and small invertebrates that it crushes with its powerful jaw. You can feed your brackish water parrot fish pellets and bloodworms. Feed brackish water parrot fish once or twice each day. Make sure any live plants in the tank are edible as the parrot fish will dine on them.

    Habitiat

    • Brackish water parrot fish enjoy larger aquariums with rocks and corals. They will redecorate the aquarium to suit their needs. This allows them the space and areas to hide in. While the fish can grow up to 10 inches in length, they also will grow based on the environment, so a 30-gallon tank will yield fish approximately 4 inches in length. The water should be kept at 75 to 80 degrees.

    Breeding

    • Breeding brackish parrot fish in captivity can be difficult. Many male brackish water parrot fish are sterile, never having the ability to fertilize eggs. The female will dig a pit or lay eggs in a cave if available. The Aqualand Pets Plus website suggests raising the water temperature 5 degrees if you plan on breeding to create a better environment for the fish to spawn. Live plants in the tank will be shredded quickly.

    Socialization

    • Blood parrot fish are not aggressive fish, unlike many other cichlid species. They will hide when threatened and swim freely when they feel secure. Because of their odd shape, these fish are unable to swim as quickly and become prey to other more aggressive species. An array of males and females can be kept in the same tank. You should keep brackish water parrot fish with other community fish where there is not territorial demands.