Koi Parrot Cichlid Care Guide The Koi Parrot Cichlid, also known as the Kohaku or Red Mask Koi Parrot Cichlid, is a vibrant and popular hybrid cichlid prized for its red and white coloration. Here’s a guide to help you care for these fascinating fish: 1. Tank Setup: Tank Size: A minimum 90-gallon tank is recommended, as they can reach up to 8 inches in length. Substrate: Smooth, small-sized gravel or sand is ideal. Decor: Provide plenty of hiding places using rocks, driftwood, and caves. 2. Water Parameters: Temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C). pH: Aim for a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water (8-12 dGH) is suitable. Filtration: Parrot Cichlids are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste, so a powerful filtration system is crucial. 3. Diet: Omnivorous: Koi Parrot Cichlids are omnivores and readily accept a variety of foods. Pellets: High-quality cichlid pellets should form the basis of their diet. Frozen Foods: Supplement with frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and krill. Live Foods: Occasional live foods like feeder fish can be offered, but ensure they are healthy and disease-free. Vegetables: Offer blanched vegetables like zucchini and peas as occasional treats. 4. Tank Mates: Semi-Aggressive: While generally peaceful, Koi Parrot Cichlids can be semi-aggressive, especially during breeding. Suitable Companions: Choose tank mates of similar size and temperament, such as other cichlids, large tetras, or catfish. Avoid Aggressive Species: Avoid housing them with overly aggressive fish that might bully them. 5. Behavior and Care: Personality: Koi Parrot Cichlids are known for their charming personalities and interactive behavior. Observe for Signs of Stress: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as clamped fins, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior. Regular Maintenance: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) and clean the tank regularly to maintain water quality. 6. Breeding: Infertile Eggs: While Koi Parrot Cichlids may lay eggs, they are often infertile due to their hybrid nature. Spawning Behavior: They may exhibit spawning behavior, such as digging nests and guarding territories, even if the eggs are not viable. Important Notes: Hybrid Nature: Remember that Koi Parrot Cichlids are man-made hybrids and may not exhibit the same behaviors or breeding patterns as their parent species. Individual Variation: Temperament and behavior can vary between individual fish, so observe your fish carefully and adjust care accordingly. By following these guidelines, you can create a healthy and thriving environment for your Koi Parrot Cichlids, allowing you to enjoy their beauty and unique personalities for years to come.