The main reason parrot fish start looking for a nest is that they are about to spawn. Before spawning, parrot fish show some obvious signs, including an enlarged abdomen, searching for a spawning site, becoming irritable, and a decreased appetite.
Specifically, the abdomen of parrot fish will become noticeably enlarged before spawning, especially in female fish approaching parturition, where the abdominal change is particularly significant. They will start to look for a suitable spawning location, usually choosing hidden places like on the pebbles at the bottom of the tank or beside the aquatic plants. They use their mouths to clean these areas to ensure a clean and safe spawning environment. Additionally, parrot fish become extremely irritable before spawning. They may swim rapidly in the fish tank and even actively attack fish that get close. Their appetite also decreases, and their food intake is significantly reduced.
To ensure that parrot fish spawn smoothly, fish keepers need to provide a suitable environment. The water temperature should be maintained at around 25°C, and water quality should be kept stable. By observing these signs, one can better attend to the breeding needs of parrot fish.