Red Parrot Fish

[OceanGoddess]

I have been interested in Red parrot fish for a while now. My fiance got me into them. As of now I have a 10 gallon tank. How big does this fish get? Would the 10 gallon be too small? Also what tank mates are safe to have with them???
Thanks!

 

[Josiah]

Is that another word for Blood Parrot? http/www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_parrot.php If so they get up to 8 in and need a bigger tank then 10g's, umm I think they need 55g's at least but not sure on that.

 

[OceanGoddess]

Yes they are also known as Blood Parrots...I had no idea they got that big!
Thanks for the info!

 

[vancouver]

Yep 55g minimum..

If you cant get a larger tank within 2-3 months you should find a new home for it.. It will be stunted quite quickly and wont live very long..

I know from experience.

 

[OceanGoddess]

Oh I haven't bought it yet...getting info. first.

 

[~T~]

They get to about 9", I would recommend a 55gal for a pair.None could live in a 10gal, I wouldnt even do this temporary.

Heres my big female BP called Boss, shes close to 8" long.

 

[vancouver]

ohh I see... I misread

 

[OceanGoddess]

lol, yeah. So do they require salt water? I hear some do and some don't.

 

[vancouver]

nope they don't require saltwater.

 

[cheesy feet]

30 gal is bare min,but these fish seem to be very random in size differences ,IME.I went to a zoo and they had a parrot fish like mine,with a white/orange boddy which was atleast 12 inches ,mine are 6 inches and 7 inches +.They said that it was given in to them because the owners tank was to small.As ~T~ has said 55 gal for a pair is fine.

 

[Mystix212]

Have you got any experiance with other fish? Cichlids? I'm a bit edgy when people with a small 10G goto to a tank 6x the size. But this should be a good learning exoeriance. Hope all goes well.

 

[LisaLQ]

I started fishkeeping with a small tank and ended up with a 6ft one within a month (similar story - bought an oscar, had no idea they got so big etc), bigger tanks are easier to maintain (water quality wise - not the heavy draft lol).

BPs need a tank no smaller than 55g. I'd go for bigger personally, as my BPs are quite massive, and I think they'd be pretty cramped in a 55g. Maybe a 75g might be a better option?

 

[Mystix212]

A 75G would be sufficent because they seem to be social and enjoy other Blood Parrots company. So a 75G may allow you to add 2 or 3.

 

[MEePStER]

a 55 gallon should be fine for 1 maybe 2 blood parrots

 

[Mystix212]

But you'd want to be able to possibly add more fish/parrots in the future so I'd get a minimum of 75.