Our Guide To Keeping Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid Fish
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name:
- Common name: Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid
- Family: Cichlidae
- Origin: Central America, primarily Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica
- Adult length: 10 cm (4 inches)
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
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Tank Setup:
- They can thrive in tanks as small as 20 gallons, but larger tanks are recommended for more aggressive setups or larger groups.
- Provide hiding spots and territories with rocks, caves, and driftwood. They enjoy rearranging their environment, so ensure decorations are stable.
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Water Parameters:
- Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0.
- Water temperature should be maintained between 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- Ensure strong filtration to maintain water quality, as they can be messy eaters.
- They prefer moderate water flow, so adjust filtration accordingly.
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Diet:
- Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods including pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
- Offer a balanced diet to promote health and coloration.
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Tank mates:
- Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid can be territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding, so choose tank mates carefully.
- Compatible tank mates include robust species like other Central American cichlids, larger tetras, and barbs.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- They are known for their breeding behavior, and they may become territorial during this time.
- They can be kept in pairs or small groups, but avoid keeping multiple breeding pairs in the same tank unless it's very large with plenty of hiding spots.