Hoplarchus psittacus
The scientific name of this fish species is Hoplarchus psittacus. In English, they are also called “Parrot Cichlid”. The species was first described by Heckel in 1840. The fish belong to the family Cichlidae (Cichlids). This genus has only one species.
The genus name Hoplarchus is derived from the Greek words “hoplon” (weapon) and “archos” (anus), probably a reference to the unusually strong anal fin rays. The species name psittacus is from the Latin word for parrot, referring to the resemblance of the fish’s head and mouth to those of a parrot.
Over the years, this species has undergone several name changes, resulting in the emergence of a number of synonyms:
- Heros psittacus
- Aequidens psittacus
- Centrarchus cychla
- Hoplarchus pentacanthus
Description
Hoplarchus psittacus has an oval and laterally flattened body. The head is round, resembling a parrot’s beak, hence the name. The color of the head and flanks varies from blue to green to olive green, with some varieties being red with a red throat, underbelly, and iris. There are conspicuous spots in a line along the flanks, dark green spots, and gray stripes. When excited or nervous, the fish darkens rapidly. Adult fish usually grow to about 26 to 33 centimeters, sometimes up to 40 centimeters.
Males are typically larger and more robust than females, and they have longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. While specific behavioral differences between the sexes aren’t clearly documented, during mating, they exhibit a unique jaw-locking behavior. Young fish start with a distinctive pattern that gradually changes into their adult coloration. When well-fed and kept in ideal conditions, adult fish are truly a spectacular sight to behold.
They are generally peaceful towards their own kind, but can be aggressive towards smaller fish. They prefer to live in pairs or groups, but a large aquarium is necessary. They are not shy and usually swim in the middle water layers. They are not specifically bottom dwellers, but do like hiding places.
They can live up to 10 years in an aquarium, provided they are given the proper care. This depends on water quality, a balanced diet, and a spacious environment.
Biotope
Hoplarchus psittacus are found in the wild in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. In Brazil they are found in the Negro, Preto da Eva, Urubu and Jamari rivers, and in tributaries of the upper Orinoco basin. They are also found in the Rio Negro and tributaries of the upper Orinoco in Colombia.
They are river fish that live in slow-moving rivers and flooded forests, such as the Rio Negro system. They are also found in swamps and lakes.
Their natural habitat is characterized by soft, acidic water, rich in tannins from decaying plant material. There is a lot of underwater vegetation in the form of submerged tree roots and fallen leaves, which provide many hiding places and foraging opportunities. The banks of the water are covered with trees. The bottom consists of a substrate of branches, roots and leaves.
They live in a tropical climate with seasonal floods and droughts. During high tides, they feed on aquatic insects and crustaceans, while during low tides, they eat fish.
Diet
In the wild, Hoplarchus psittacus feeds on a varied diet of small fish, insects and invertebrates. Their diet also includes a significant amount of fruit and nuts.
In an aquarium, they can be fed a combination of dry food (pellets and flakes), frozen food (such as bloodworms and shrimp mix), and live food (such as bloodworms and adult brine shrimp). Spirulina, in various forms, is also a recommended addition to their diet. Providing a varied diet to ensure good health and avoid overfeeding is essential. A diet that is too one-sided, especially high in protein, can lead to problems such as bloat.
The Aquarium
A pair of Hoplarchus psittacus requires an aquarium of at least 250 centimeters and 625 liters. A considerably larger aquarium is needed for multiple pairs, as these fish can grow up to 40 cm long and be territorial. An aquarium of 3 meters or more may be necessary for a group.
The setup should provide plenty of hiding places, such as large pieces of wood, caves, and dense planting. Plants are suitable, but make sure they are sturdy and can withstand the fish’s digging activities. A substrate of sand or fine gravel is suitable. Adding leaves (such as oak leaves) and/or peat to acidify and color the water is recommended.
The ideal water parameters are a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, low hardness (2-12°N) and a temperature between 25 and 30°C. Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality.
This species is best kept with other large, peaceful South American cichlids. Avoid smaller fish, as Hoplarchus psittacus may attack them. When choosing tankmates, consider the fish’s size and temperament.
Breeding Aquarium and Conditioning
To start breeding Hoplarchus psittacus, optimize the water quality until it is soft and slightly acidic, similar to their natural habitat. For example, soften the water using osmosis (RO) water and add peat or leaves to add tannins. Then, increase the temperature to around 28-30°C.
Condition the fish for breeding by feeding them a varied diet, including pellets, frozen food, spirulina, and some live food such as krill. The success of breeding depends on several factors, including the age of the fish, water quality, and the fish’s experience.
The Spawn
During courtship, the fish’s colors become more intense. They become much darker, especially in excited or nervous fish. The courtship ritual includes jaw-locking behavior, where males and females lock their jaws.
The eggs are laid on a flat stone or a part of the substrate. The number of eggs varies; usually, there are about 100 to 200. Experienced couples, however, lay up to 300 eggs. The hatching percentage is often low. The eggs are relatively large and yellow.
Raising the Young Fish
The eggs hatch after 3 to 5 days. A few days after hatching, the young fish begin to swim freely. Both parents provide parental care, fiercely protecting the eggs and the young and providing them with oxygen by fanning the eggs. The parents accompany the young until they can swim and forage independently.
The first food consists of small particles such as newly hatched microworms, grindal worms, brine shrimp, and finely ground flake food. Regular water changes are essential for the survival of the fry. The survival rate of the fry varies greatly, with reports of a low hatching rate of the eggs and a survival rate of only 40 out of 300 eggs laid in one case. In other cases, a higher survival rate is reported. Survival depends on several factors, including the experience of the aquarists, water quality, and diet. Stress factors such as water changes can lead parents to eat the fry. Therefore, do not change too much water at once.
Particularities
Below, you will find several different interesting details about Hoplarchus psittacus that were not covered in the previous chapters:
- Rarity and Popularity: The Parrot Cichlid is a relatively rare and unpopular species in the aquarium hobby, partly due to the large aquariums required for their care. Few aquarists have successfully bred this species.
- Color Variation: Color ranges from blue to green to olive, with some varieties being red, with a red throat, underbelly, and iris. Color can change depending on the mood of the fish. The most colorful specimens, with bright red breasts and throats, come from Brazil, but these colors are often less intense in captivity.
- Confusion with other species: This species is sometimes confused with the “Parrot Cichlid”, a hybrid, and with “Chocolate Cichlids” ( Hypselecara temporalis and H. coryphaenoides), although they are not closely related.
- Disease Susceptibility: The species is relatively susceptible to hole-in-the-head disease and bloat. Good aquarium hygiene is, therefore, essential.
- Food Preferences: Despite their large size, adult fish can be picky eaters.
- Breeding Challenges: Breeding this species is challenging, even for experienced aquarists. Low fertility and egg or fry consumption by parents are common problems. Several factors, such as water quality, age of the fish, and stress, play a role in breeding success. Using an RO system to prepare the water can improve breeding chances.
- Parental care: Although the parents protect the eggs and young, they may eat them under stressful conditions.
- Habitat in the wild: They live in slow-moving rivers and flooded forests in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, in areas with soft, acidic water rich in tannins.
Conclusion
The Parrotfish (Hoplarchus psittacus) is a beautiful but challenging fish for advanced aquarists. Its large size requires a huge aquarium, and its sensitivity to water quality and specific water parameters makes it unsuitable for beginners. Breeding is extremely difficult, with a low success rate, even for experienced hobbyists. Its fastidiousness in food and potential aggression towards smaller fish require extra attention.
Successful care requires a large, well-established aquarium with soft, acidic water, plenty of hiding places, and a varied diet. Regular water changes and careful monitoring of water parameters are essential. Despite the challenges, the rewards of keeping this unique and fascinating fish are worth it for dedicated aquarists willing to invest the necessary time and effort. Their unusual color changes and jaw-locking behavior during mating are distinctive characteristics. The experience with this species is rewarding and challenging, and requires a thorough understanding of their needs.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Cichlidenwereld
