Kirin Parrot Cichlid lethargic and poor appetite

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
A

AaronKWolfe

Polypterus
MFK Member
Oct 24, 2019
336
280
87
49
Have you tested your water?
Yes
If yes, what is your ammonia?
0 ppm
If yes, what is your nitrite?
0 ppm
If yes, what is your nitrate?
20 ppm
If I did not test my water...
  1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.
Do you do water changes?
Yes
What percentage of water do you change?
21-30%
How frequently do you change your water?
Every week
If I do not change my water...
  1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.
I have a Kirin Parrot Cichlid in a 40 breeder and I've noticed lately he hasn't been eating or swimming around much. No other tank mates, I have a sponge filter and aquaclear 110 on it. I feed him omega one Cichlid pellets and cobalt aquatic predator pellets, as well as the occasional omega one river shrimp, crickets, and worms. I'd like to think I take pretty good care of him. I'm wondering if perhaps being the hybrid of two hybrids, he just doesn't have a long lifespan. I did get him about 3 years ago. I suppose he could've gotten sick from the live crickets and worms I've given him.
 
The first thing I would try is to increase the water change amount - it could be that as the fish has grown, what was once suitable is no longer enough. The hybrids are weaker, but I would still expect a longer lifespan than 3 years.
 
Deadeye said:
The first thing I would try is to increase the water change amount - it could be that as the fish has grown, what was once suitable is no longer enough. The hybrids are weaker, but I would still expect a longer lifespan than 3 years.
Click to expand...
Ok, up it from 10 gallons a week (25%) to maybe 15 or 20? I figured since he doesn't eat as much as he used to, he'd produce less waste.
 
I would do at least 50% water changes. Even if it’s eating less, the bigger fish still will produce a lot more waste.
 
Update: nitrates are nearly undetectable (less than 10 ppm). Fish is still sluggish and mostly hangs out on the bottom. I have very hard alkaline water, so perhaps that could be it?
 
They are a cocktail of CA cichlids, so I wouldn’t worry about alkaline water.
How are hiding spots in the tank? Maybe it’s stressing as it grows?
 
What temps? Parrots like warmer stuff, they can get let lethargic around 77-78ish. 80-84 they like.

Also, what's the layout of your tank and location? Substrate color? Background? Adding dechlor? Any plants or hides? Parrots LOVE hides. They like to be 'cozy' . Parrots have a good bioload once they get around 5 inches so a 40 breeder is decent water for one. I don't know if the Kirins get as large as the Bloods (that can range from 6-10 inches). I'd change out water to fin level once a week. Shouldn't take more than 20 minute drain with a small pump.

Also as a side note they can live for up to 13 years. So don't assume your fish is ready to expire.
 
That could be it... water temp is in the high 70s.

As for my tank. It's got white sand with some fake plants here and there since he likes to tear apart real ones. I also have a small piece of driftwood and some dragonstone in there.
 
AaronKWolfe said:
That could be it... water temp is in the high 70s.

As for my tank. It's got white sand with some fake plants here and there since he likes to tear apart real ones. I also have a small piece of driftwood and some dragonstone in there.
Click to expand...

Bump temp to 81 and see what happens.
Add a couple of hides. Make sure they're large openings.
Sprinkle dark gravel over the white sand to bring it 'down' a bit or add smooth river rocks. White sand makes fish wash out in color and can be stressing because its so bright.
Keep the fake plants. Silk vines are good for exploring.
Fin level water change once a week

Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom