The snow parrot cichlid is a stunning hybrid fish known for its bright white coloration accented with black scales. Read on to learn about properly caring for this unique cichlid!
Introducing the Snow Parrot Cichlid
Snow Parrot Cichlid General Info
- Origin: Hybrid fish, parent species from Lake Malawi
- Size: Up to 5 inches long as adults
- Lifespan: 10+ years with proper care
- Temperament: Mildly aggressive, best in species only tanks
- Appearance: Vibrant white with black scalloped spots, yellow fins
- Varieties: None, relatively uniform appearance
- Price: $20 – $40 per fish
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Lake Malawi
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon
- Water Parameters: 76-82°F; pH 7.8-8.6; hard alkaline water
- Tank Setup: Sandy substrate, rocks, driftwood. Moderate lighting and filtration.
Snow Parrot Cichlid Diet
- Diet: Omnivore accepting quality flakes, pellets along with meaty foods
- Feeding: 2-3 times daily. Offer blanched veggies 1-2 times per week
Foods:
- Cichlid pellets and flakes
- Live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms
- Shelled peas, blanched zucchini
- Occasional treats like live glassworms
Breeding Snow Parrot Cichlids
- Substrate spawners that form monogamous pairs
- Use flat rocks or caves for spawning sites
- Both parents guard eggs and care for fry when they hatch
- Remove parents after free-swimming fry stage to avoid eating fry
Common Health Issues
- Susceptible to bloat, malnutrition if fed poorly
- Aggression and fighting especially during spawning
- Prone to ich and other parasitic infections if water quality poor
- Maintain excellent water, feed proper diet, use quarantine
Snow Parrot Cichlid Care
- Species only tanks or with very large, aggressive tank mates
- Require strong filtration and weekly water changes
- Not a good community fish due to aggressive behaviors
- No special legal restrictions for keeping snow parrot cichlids
Suitable Tank Mates
- Other large African cichlids
- Silver dollars
- Large plecos
- Giant danios
- Avoid small, docile species
Identifying Males vs. Females
- Males larger and more brightly colored with longer dorsal fins
- Females smaller, less vivid coloration, dark blotches on anal fin
- Males develop scattered black dots on anal fin when mature
Species Count:
Hybrid of two African cichlids
Enhancing Color:
High quality cichlid diet with carotenoids. Maintain excellent water conditions.
Maximum Size:
Up to 5 inches in home aquariums.
Growth Rate:
Grow rapidly, can reach full size within one year.
Lifespan:
Approximately 10 years or longer with proper care.
Care Tips:
Proper tank size, water parameters, variety of foods, only keep with very large tankmates.
Best Foods:
NorthFin cichlid pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, live blackworms.
Good Pets?
Moderate – require some experience. Stunning appearance when healthy.
Preventing Death:
Maintain pristine water conditions. Vary diet with vitamin-rich foods. Use quarantine.
Aggression:
Aggressive toward tankmates, suitable for species only tanks generally.
Will They Kill Other Fish?
May attack and kill small or docile tankmates, especially when spawning.
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