How to Take Care of a Baby Parrot Fish

Parrot fish are part of the cichlid family. They are hybrids of other cichlids, including midas, redhead and severum cichlids. Unlike many cichlids, parrot fish are peaceful and easygoing. Like any other young fish, though, baby parrot fish require some specific care.

Things You'll Need

  • Refugium/Secondary aquarium
  • Plants
  • Substrate
  • Rocks
  • Heater
  • Pump and filter
  • Brine shrimp
  • Cichlid food
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep a baby parrot fish in a protected tank of its own or with other fish its size. Larger fish, and particularly larger cichlids, may eat the baby parrot fish. Keep it in a refugium with other small fish like younger oscars and tetras.

    • 2

      Supply your refugium with a substrate and rocks and plants for the parrot fish to live and hide in. Use soft or smooth gravel so the parrot fish can nose around in the substrate without getting scratched. Equip the tank with a working pump and filter, or use the pump and filter from your existing setup.

    • 3

      Keep the water fresh and clean for your baby parrot fish, and maintain a temperature of 80 degrees. Parrot fish can suffer and grow pale at cooler temperatures.

    • 4

      Feed the baby parrot fish daily with cichlid food. Supplement this food with brine shrimp once a week as a treat.

    • 5

      Clean the baby parrot fish's tank once a month to supplement the action of the pump and filter. Do a 70 percent water change, and make sure the water is properly dechlorinated before you put your baby parrot fish back in.