Hoplarchus psittacus
- Thread starter Mythic Figment
- Start date
They can be. They can also be shy. It really depends on how they're raised and how they're housed. Mine was outgoing but he was also the dominant fish in a 210 gallon tank. If I kept him alone, I don't know that he would have behaved that way.
To me they're like other large South American Heroines.
To me they're like other large South American Heroines.
Mine always comes to the front of the tank when I walk in the room I like to think of it as like an Oscar but way cooler
Here's a picture
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Here's a picture
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They are quite variable in their behaviour and personality. When young, they are always on the move and very competitive for food, always jockeying for advantageous position. When they become sexually mature, they can become quite rough on one another, until a compatible pair forms. Then that pair will not tolerate conspecifics. They will continue to have a solid pair bond if they are kept in with a few target fish that can take care of themselves (heterospecifics). I have had breeding pairs mixed with other similarly sized Parrots and had to remove these "extras" to avoid a thrashing. I kept one pair in a 180G all by themselves for a year and they were so calm and laid back that I decided to add a full sized pair of Chocolate cichlids, a pair of Heros Severus and six large Geophagus altifrons. Everything was amazingly peaceful ... for one day then all h--l broke loose, with the male terrorizing the newcomers to the point of threatening their lives. So take it for what it's worth. You never really can tell what's going to happen. They can be very variable in mood and temperament and it can change quickly. Having said what I have, don't misinterpret me. I really like keeping them. They are truly a magnificent SA cichlid.
Mine is fairly laid back (similar attitude to my Severum's) not sure that I would consider him a "personable" fish; especially when compared to my Oscars or fire eel; both of which I consider very personable.
I think a parrot would be biting off more than I could chew to be honest. Might give it a try when I have a larger tank (200+ gallons).
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I have a trio of wild caught parrots . They remind me a lot of Osacrs . At first they were very shy but once they reached around 6-7" they have become much more confident and beg for food and approach the front of the tank very similar to Oscars.. Here are a coupe of pics...
i have 5 young ones atm and they'd rather stay at the front of the tank and beg for food. like oscars