Breeding the true parrot

[TheBeardedFish]

Here is an update on the tank. I now have four Hoplarchus psittacus along with a chocolate cichlid, a rotkiel severum and a raphael catfish in a 120 gallon tank (4x2x2). I have only had the parrots for a little over two months and during that time they grown around an inch, maybe more, and definitely put on some bulk. I think they are all around 6 inches at this point. I haven't seen anything close to a pair forming yet. Here are some pictures of the tank and its inhabitants
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[Belly up]

They are looking good. From what I have read they take a very long time, like 5 years to mature. Have you researched them? There was an article in Cichlid News back in October, 1994 on some of the first people to spawn them and how they did it, if you can get a copy. I commend you for taking on the challenge and wish you the best of luck with them.

 

[TheBeardedFish]

Yeah I'm not sure why I even mentioned that there wasn't any pairing behavior... I still have a long ways to go before any of that happens! I have read just about everything I could online about them, including the article you mentioned I believe. Do you know of any books or maybe even magazines that would be of any help?



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[Quo Vadis]

I really, really love these fish. So gorgeous and I be been trying to get my hands on some. Where'd you get yours?

 

[TheBeardedFish]

Jeff rapps has some in stock right now! They are a bit pricey though.


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[TheBeardedFish]

His website is tangledupincichlids.com by the way.


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[notho2000]

I had also heard that they were very slow maturing, and that it would take close to two years + before psittacus were old enough to spawn. That wasn't the case with mine. They spawned at about 16 months of age, at which time the male was about 11", and the female about 8". Here are a few pics of the adults and young.

 

[Quo Vadis]

Jeff rapps has some in stock right now! They are a bit pricey though.


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Is that where you got yours? And yes I actually did know that but as you mentioned they are TOO pricey for me. I have been trying to find cheaper ones somewhere.

 

[TheBeardedFish]

Yep I got mine from him. They were about cheaper though because at the time they were smaller. I have seen the wetspot have them in and some vendors on aquabid, usually for cheaper too.


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[TheBeardedFish07]

Hey Im the OP of the thread. I had to make a new account unfortunately. Notho those are some beautiful fish, thanks for sharing. How old would you say the fish are in the last picture you posted? Im trying to find out how old mine may be.