Pelmatochromis pulcher, or parrot cichlid, is a small freshwater fish from West Africa. It stands out with its bright coloration and both parents caring for the offspring.
The Parrot cichlid differs from other cichlids in its small size, bright rainbow coloration, and care of offspring by both parents. In nature, it helps control the population of small invertebrates and serves as food for larger fish.
Immature form that undergoes metamorphosis before adulthood.
systemic infection
Gradual weakening.
depends on progression
soil organic matter
daphnia
Map
no treatment
depends on care
cutaneous melanoma
isopod parasitism
infection via feed
antimycotic drugs, raising the temperature to 28°C
chronic course
depends on accompanying problems
Size male size
South and Central America, hot and humid, huge forests
pork
inbreeding in colony
Acute 3–10 days, may become chronic.
live tubifex
Rapid deterioration within 7–21 days after onset.
Months to lethal outcome.
water softening, diet with reduced phosphorus, symptomatic drugs
hepatic diseases
black growths
bile stasis
kanamycin or oxytetracycline, salt baths 3–5 g/l
ammonia poisoning
internal organ hemorrhages
golden plaque
congenital
Develops within 1–3 months.
infected bacteria
age diag byOther
hepatoprotectors, antibiotics, therapeutic diet
muscle myopathy
protruding forehead
reduced quality of life
Upcoming birthdays
marine or brackish
coccidiosis — isospora
nocardia
spinal deformity
Lifespan
white skin spots
prolonged antibiotic therapy, often ineffective, euthanasia recommended
hemolymph inflammation
Affecting multiple organs or the entire body.
Acute or subacute course 7–30 days.
argulosis
injury
anti-inflammatory, improvement of conditions
purulent ulcers
hexamitiasis, hexamita muris
visible leeches
Usually resolves within 3–10 days.
algae
hypoallergenic diet, topical treatments
Earliest developmental stage inside an egg or womb.
metabolic diseases
Lifespan average
chilodonellosis
gill inflammation
blue coating
antibiotics, salt baths
Severity rating for disorders affecting movable joints.
genetic factor
spores in water
genetic bone tissue defect
Freshwater
vitamin supplements, iron-rich feeds
septicemia
support, euthanasia
pale gills and skin
fatal
limb hypothermia
training aptitude
manna on body
saddleback ulcers
unknown
metronidazole 10 mg/l 10–14 days
hereditary defect
cm
genetic predisposition
oodinium
turns
visible crustaceans on body
anthelmintic drugs
white cysts on gills
white cottony growths
Fat
Progresses over months.
local antiseptics, systemic antibiotics
renal failure
Lightning-fast.
destruction of the sick, prevention
congenital spinal deformity
holes in head
Actively searching habitats to locate food items.
Prolonged course
aeromonas hydrophila infection
Locomotion through water employed while searching for or capturing prey.
uneven pigmentation
Months of development, chronic.
Offspring
Elders
Bro
color gene mutation
Chronic to fatal.
Long-lasting or recurring health condition persisting over an extended period.
lakes and ponds
freshwater marsh and wetlands
mild emaciation
Appears at an early age, stable.
Rapid reproduction in 3–10 days.
Affects the skin, scales, feathers or outer integument.
flavobacterium columnare
gyrodactylosis
birth date
Gradual exhaustion.
Career from 7 to 15 months. Dwarf hamsters, voles, field crickets celebrate their birthday twice a month
The basics
transition to a specialized low-fat diet, course of hepatoprotectors
supportive therapy, lighting control
young after transformation
velvet coating
poor nutrition
virus
favorable
Feeds while suspended in open water between surface and bottom.
no spawning
Mass
instant suffocation
Can kill within 48 hours.
antibiotics of the tetracycline series
Gestation
bacterial hepatitis
monotonous feed
long term fatty dystrophy
white cysts body
intensive antibacterial therapy
Food is gathered directly from leaf surfaces.
high fat level in diet
diet, moderate physical activity
Caudal fin count
On the map
jaw deformity
Female ♀
inherited cataract
Body color
Body temperature
Map data sources: Ecosystem classification — IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology (Keith et al., 2022), indicative distribution maps Keith et al. (2020), https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3546513; Large Marine Ecosystems — NOAA LME Program; Bathymetry — GEBCO Bathymetric Compilation Group (2026), GEBCO_2026 Grid, https://doi.org/10.5285/4f68d5c7-45eb-f999-e063-7086abc036fa; Climate data — Generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information; Species occurrence data — GBIF.org, Derived dataset "all animals", https://zveriki.com/dataset/dataset.tsv; Terrestrial ecoregions — RESOLVE Ecoregions 2017 (Dinerstein et al., 2017), CC BY 4.0
Potential habitat modelled from GBIF occurrence data. Map © Zveriki.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
choleretic agents, diet
meat and fish
Acute: 3–10 days; chronic: months.
hormonal stimulation in rare cases, culling
birth year
Acute onset, may last for weeks.
bacterial endocarditis
sq mm
chronic toxins
Indicates a minor health issue that typically resolves with minimal intervention.
praziquantel 2–10 mg/l, repeated treatments
capillaria intestinalis
until the celebration
What if eaten?
Slow progression
Develops over 7–21 days, becomes chronic without treatment.
7–21 days to severe condition.
Chronic relapses.
torn fins
mechanical removal, treatment
wild cockroaches
copper preparations
5–12 days.
Chronic course 30–90 days.
mucus on gills
exclusion from the breeding program
skin inflammation
Always hot and wet
aquatic plants and algae
frequent infections
How are they built?
encephalopathy
mm
ml
My age?
Serious or life-threatening health condition requiring urgent attention.
body curvature
fenbendazole or levamisole in feed
Iodine
erosion of mouth and fins
low temperature after injury
Rabbits, falcons, red-eared turtles hang out for 6-9 years and party on their birthday four times a year
chronic anemia
destruction of sick fish
stress
arthritis
fin rot
symptomatic, destruction of severely affected fish
Slow growth over several months.
micro worms
rickettsiosis
ammonia in water
malachite green or acriflavine
embryo
acute jaundice
kg
body tremor
removal, saline or potassium permanganate baths
antibiotics (kanamycin, oxytetracycline), salt baths
severe intoxication
bottom
Picking small food items from foliage, ground, or other surfaces.
microsporidian species infection
loss of appetite
bacterial brain abscess
m
starvation diet for 2–3 days, then therapeutic feed
g
t
degenerative arthritis
support of aeration, antibiotics in case of secondary infection
s shaped body curve
How old you would be if you lived as {name}
Theoretical maximum lifespan estimated from the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) mathematical model. This value reflects a biological potential derived from metabolic parameters, not from direct observation — real recorded lifespans are often significantly shorter.
swollen body
myxosomosis
temperature increase + preparations of copper or malachite green
praziquantel + formalin
movement stiffness
nodular skin lesions
chronic kidney failure
Appearance of tumors after 1 year.
Disorder affecting biochemical processes such as nutrient conversion or energy balance.
skin redness
antibacterial therapy, improvement of water quality
systemic
sudden dyspnea
Sex
nodule formation
epitheliocystis
Acute course within 48–96 hours.
oodinium disease
Truly long lives: 40-100 years. Bowhead whales, albatrosses, giant tortoises recall their birthday at most once a year
supportive therapy
copper preparations 0.2 mg/l for 10 days
infection prevention, enhanced nutrition
insect larvae and caterpillars
inherited hydrocephalus
Foraging occurs on the floor of aquatic or terrestrial habitats.
traumatic pericarditis
capillariasis — capillaria
hexamitosis
cereal mixes
Regeneration
moderate
artemia nauplii
Juvenile stage following larval metamorphosis but not yet adult.
Subacute course.
streptococcus iniae
scyphidia
fin nodules
fatty liver disease
antibiotics, osmotic salts, diuretics
swampy freshwater biotopes — peat bogs, marshes, river mangroves
viral hepatitis
Mature, fully developed individual capable of reproduction.
gleaning
high aggression
red spots
low oxygen level
Pets
Primary oral structure used to seize, manipulate, or ingest food.
Involuntary shaking or trembling of the body.
sharp cooling
Find an animal or breed...
diseases symptoms bulging eyes
Cycle 3–7 days at 25°C.
Dorsal fin count
multiple bacteria
5–14 days.
Litter size
favorable without complications
rapid breathing
Map data sources: Ecosystem classification — IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology (Keith et al., 2022), indicative distribution maps Keith et al. (2020), https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3546513; Large Marine Ecosystems — NOAA LME Program; Bathymetry — GEBCO Bathymetric Compilation Group (2026), GEBCO_2026 Grid, https://doi.org/10.5285/4f68d5c7-45eb-f999-e063-7086abc036fa; Climate data — Generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information; Species occurrence data — GBIF.org, Derived dataset "all animals", https://zveriki.com/dataset/dataset.tsv; Terrestrial ecoregions — RESOLVE Ecoregions 2017 (Dinerstein et al., 2017), CC BY 4.0
How to care for them?
common diseases
°C
Not specified
ground daphnia
collects food with its mouth from the bottom, leaves, and in the water column
7–20 days.
vitamin e deficiency
reducing stocking density, shelters
anthelmintic drugs (praziquantel 2–5 mg/l), treatment in a separate tank
hirudinea infection
Size female size
Acute deterioration within 5–14 days.
depends on severity
chronic stress
formalin 1:4000, salt baths
poor water filtration
symptomatic therapy, stress reduction
if born as {name}
Rapid reproduction.
omnivore
white feces
introduction
antibiotics (fluoroquinolones), antiseptics
Protein
swimming
Acute, 1–5 days.
Acute, death within 7–14 days.
Develops in 14–40 days.
gill issues
chronic dyspepsia
nitrate poisoning
primary food sources
improvement of water parameters, antibacterial drugs (nitrofurans 2–4 mg/l), salt baths
Water
spoiled feed
Detected in reproductive age.
Acute poisoning within hours.
enteric infection
hereditary immunodeficiency mutation
age diag byColoration
{name} birthday
Subacute.
metronidazole in feed or water
myxosoma spores
costiosis
genetic oncological predisposition
Disease affecting the liver and its functions.
balance loss
draft
shrimp
environmental pollution
respiratory disorder
Constant susceptibility to diseases.
levamisole 2 mg/l, repeat after 14 days
mycobacterium marinum — fish tuberculosis
Rapid deterioration.
kidney development disorder
air swallowing
severe
Frequently observed or widespread in the species or population.
hereditary nephropathy
Chronic course with periods of exacerbation.
granulated feed
acute glomerulonephritis
age as {name}
import
Health issue of intermediate seriousness, neither mild nor life-threatening.
genetic gonad defects
Marine world
artemia
Episodic crises.
general infection
chlamydia bacteria
dactylogyrus vastator
high organics
infected fish introduction
Condition that typically results in death without intervention.
This is me
from 11 to 16 grams, 1.5 – 12 centimeters
broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs, improvement of hydrochemistry
splanchnoptosis
trichodiniasis
favorable after eliminating cause
genetic nervous system damage
ulcers on skin and mucous membranes
7–15 days.
Asexual
hereditary eye socket deformity
spironucleus vortens
pits in head
hepatoprotectors, low-fat diet
When you would have been born if you lived as {name}
long term antibiotic treatment
Chronic wasting over 30–60 days.
malachite green, improved aeration
Daddies
Develops over weeks.
bacterial encephalitis
vesica natatoria defectus
foraging
Hermaphrodite ⚥
skin bumps
genetic diseases
nodules in organs and skin
3–8 days.
antibiotics in a prolonged course
Develops by day 90–180.
symptomatic support, exclusion from breeding, complete feeding
will celebrate their {n} birthday
riverbed
Litters lifetime count
unfavorable without intervention
very hot and very humid all year round, rain almost every day
detritus, eat dead remains of plants, animals and all kinds of organic debris on the bottom
excess fatty feed
Rapid.
infection
aeromonosis
genetic defect
dirty water
Repro interval
temperature for housing
rotifers
Caudal fin color
Gremllins
stomach distension
brown gills
genetic failure
Disease affecting the heart or blood vessels.
sepsis
Filters
hiding
cardiomyopathy genetic
fasting, then a sparing diet
diet correction, special conditions
buoyancy disorder
leaf
mechanical removal, insecticides (dichlorvos in low dose)
joint diseases
praziquantel
Visible signs after 14–28 days.
crevice
May progress to a chronic form.
Wanderers
treatment in a separate aquarium, copper-based medications at a dosage of 0.15–0.3 mg/l, increased aeration
hepatocellular carcinoma analogue
world of Australasia
Jubilee = every 10th birthday
Minimum space
tetracycline in water
Business sausages
ascites
diarrhea
chlamydial infection
How do they behave?
live snails
depends on localization
formalin, temperature increase
genetic liver development disorder
Carbohydrates
uv
lernaeosis
bone fragility
immune reactions
average
pine cone scales
all rivers and lakes
dactylogyrosis
immediate water change, addition of conditioners
high temperature and low oxygen
{name} jubilee
Months
spiral twisting
transport
Old-timers
saprolegnia parasitica
Rascals
does not require treatment, cosmetic defect
sudden death
balance disorders
growth delay
bleeding sores
heart failure
Disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa.
absence of breeding color
tail blackening
white plaque in mouth
skin ulcers
Mild: 5–10 days until visible symptoms; severe: mass mortality within 3–7 days.
Where are they found?
May appear suddenly at the age of 6–12 months.
Dorsal fin size
all rivers and lakes
hepatic encephalopathy
Develops gradually over 60–180 days.
live plants
dropsy
columnaris gill infection
Acute or chronic
wound
white flakes
Examination schedule
Progresses over 3–6 months.
antibiotics, surgical opening
genetic osteodystrophy
unusual coloration
baths with antiseptics, improvement of water parameters
antiseptic baths, improvement of water quality
From birth, often leads to death in the first 30 days.
water column
acute pancreatitis
My weight?
dermatitis bacterialis
bakery products
Non-stop carnival: they only live a few days. Mayflies, rotifers, midges celebrate their birthday more than twice a day
Develops over 5–15 days.
improvement of water quality, vitamins
deep ulcers
Potential Habitat
elimination of the cause, B vitamins
In husbandry
On the go from 1.3 to 3.5 years. Forest mice, anoles, rainbow fish party on their birthday once a month
Feeding occurs in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or oceans.
entomophagous nematodes
aquatic
branchiomyces demigrans
formalin or malachite green, salt baths
live annelid worms
antibiotic therapy
No results found
immunosuppression
distended abdomen
small crustaceans
cachexia
viral hemorrhagic disease
renal diseases
Acute course 7–20 days.
Terminal stage in 1–3 months.
Acute course 5–14 days.
unfavorable for reproduction
loss of color
anchor worms on body
flexibacter
coordination disorder
stress immunosuppression trauma
unsanitary keeping conditions
neurological diseases
unfavorable for breeding
Calcium + Vitamin D3
supportive therapy, euthanasia in severe cases
Detected upon reaching sexual maturity (4–6 months).
How similar?
flipping over
Incubation 3–7 days, acute course up to 14 days.
Male ♂
bloating
On the go from 3.5 to 6 years. Hedgehogs, crows, lizards treat themselves to birthday snacks 6 times a year
sessile ciliates
Neither
vision impairment
water changes, detoxification
lymphocystis virus
incorrect swimming
Freshwater
Duration
parasitic diseases
freshwater
antibiotics in feed, 48-hour fasting
no specific treatment, quarantine and destruction
infected tubifex
Theoretical lifespan
Stars
Link copied
Develops over 30–90 days.
acute gastroenteritis
Mild course: first signs on day 30–60, slow progression; severe: congenital deformities, death within 10–20 days.
freshwater environment — rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps
scale loss
skin irritation
inbreeding
calcium and vitamin D3 supplements
Where do they take shelter?
infectious diseases
Disorder caused by inherited or mutation-based factors.
nanismus hereditarius
Manifests by 45–90 days of life, stably chronic course.
small crabs, amphipods and other crustaceans
Lifespan maximum
From birth or early age.
infected plant introduction
bacterial gill disease
Strawberry
antibiotics (ampicillin, erythromycin)
wild caught
Disease affecting the kidneys and their function.
cottony flakes on body
antibiotics, stress reduction
laying on bottom
Observations
Worker
birth time
hemorrhages throughout the body
intense scratching
Dogs, dolphins, lynx hang out for 9-25 years and party on their birthday three times a year
When your next jubilee falls in {name} life years
Detected in the first 14–30 days, progresses slowly.
Human
surgical removal if possible
days
worms
furunculosis analogue
adult
swimming disorder
Maturity
antifungal drugs, temperature increase, salt baths
organic debris
respiratory failure under stress
Health
About health
7–14 days before clinical signs.
When your next birthday would fall if you lived as {name}
depression
introduction of new animals
mycobacteriosis — mycobacterium
hereditary gonad descent disorder
results
myocarditis
enhanced aeration, temperature reduction
Colors
chronic
Upcoming jubilees
matte coating
mo
diseases symptoms small body size
load reduction, antibiotics in case of bacterial cause
all seas and oceans
Trophic type
den
always hot and humid, huge trees and vines
iron and vitamin deficiency
standing fresh waters — lakes, ponds, oxbow lakes
columnariosis
Age (from birth to death)
bloodworm
often unfavorable
chronic hypoxia
antibiotics (enrofloxacin 5–10 mg/kg), improvement of housing conditions
poor diet
Slow development over 2–6 months.
antimycotics, often unsuccessfully
red stripes
young after fast growth
Early onset, rapid deterioration.
Chronic course
What do they look like?
Maturity
emergence (insects)
end of lifespan
How do they live?
fertilization / egg laying
birth / hatching
metamorphosis / end of larval stage
sedatives, stress reduction
end of acceleration
depends on location and stage
Share
peeling
Find a pet...
7–14 days until peak.
Slow growth.
metronidazole 6–10 mg/l for 10–14 days, dietary improvement
exophthalmia congenita
Prolonged chronic course.
reduced activity
open gills
Acute.
Manifests after 20–40 days.
Rapid spread over 2–5 days.
Slow development over months.
mouth
severe distension
gene mutation
exophthalmos
muscle abscesses
osteomyelitis
age
Living from 25 to 40 years. Orangutans, bald eagles, African elephants celebrate their birthday twice a year
Rapid spread.
lens opacity
Rapid death within 2–5 days.
mechanical removal, antiparasitic agents
Terminal stage over 3–6 months.
Legendary longevity: over 100 years. Galapagos tortoises, Greenland sharks, ocean quahogs celebrate with family once every 4 years
Tropical moist forest
weight loss
Present at birth due to genetic or developmental factors.
columnaris disease
Taxons
tail fin destruction
female infertility
immunosuppressors in low doses, water control
slow healing
age
vitamin E in feed
no specific treatment, immunity enhancement
euthanasia of affected fish, disinfection of the aquarium
dermatological diseases
genetics
surgery
high temperature
Close
was
diseases symptoms muscle weakness
Neotropical realm
liver cirrhosis
chronic anorexia
14–40 days.
long term keeping in hard water
white mucus
skin dermatitis
d
4–14 days.
camallanus cotti
Mosquitoes, fruit flies, small crustaceans hustle for up to 7 months and throw a birthday party every week
neobenedenia
color selection
islands and part of Australia, many unusual animals and plants
congenital immunodeficiency
anthelmintics (fenbendazole 25–50 mg/kg), feed change
age diag bySize
slowed fin growth
transition to a varied high-protein diet
Observable decrease in normal movement or energy levels.
fin issues
all life stages
cholecystitis
Tumour-related disease including malignant and benign neoplasms.
Slow progression in older fish.
ascites syndrome
pancreatic necrosis virus
prevention by selection
hereditary factors
Rapid development within 4–12 days.
pale skin
mild
Rapid spread within 2–6 days.
euthanasia in severe cases
live earthworms
pseudomonosis
bacteremia
spirulina
Maturity
yr
improved aeration, antibiotics
How do they breed?
Acute exhaustion.
isolation, improvement of housing conditions, vitamin therapy
What do they eat?
insect larvae
Where do they live?
red threads at anus
raising the temperature to 30–32°C, adding salt 2–3 g/l, using preparations of the malachite green group or formalin in recommended dosages
transition to a low-calorie diet, hepatoprotectors, fasting days
beef
early young
necrotized gills
cardiovascular diseases
culling of affected individuals from breeding is recommended, supportive therapy, diet correction with addition of B and E vitamins
Disease affecting the nervous system, brain, or nerves.
buffer solutions, diet correction
poor water quality
dark urine
Gamers
hepatic ascites
genetic skin sensitivity
sulfonamides, hygiene
loss of mobility
Months until death.
Indicates recovery is likely when appropriate husbandry is provided.
wk
My size?
temperament
acute nephritis
Dorsal fin color
swap
black spots
guarded depends on progression
low-protein diet, osmotic treatment
celebrated their {n} birthday
fluoroquinolones, antiseptic treatments
Illness caused by parasites such as worms, protozoa, or ectoparasites.
oncological diseases
unfavorable
ichthyophthirius multifiliis
trematoda metacercariae
mild mycosis
flavobacteriosis
Length
◉{N} more on tap