Parrot Cichlid
Parrot Cichlid is the standard orange Blood Parrot in its typical orange-red coloration — the most commonly available parrot cichlid form. Blood Parrot Cichlids and their color variants are hybrids — crosses typically attributed to Amphilophus citrinellus × Paraneetroplus synspilus, though the exact parentage is debated. The hybrid origin produces the characteristic round body, heart-shaped profile, and unusually shaped mouth. Their mouths are permanently restricted in opening, which means they cannot bite effectively and are more vulnerable than standard cichlids. Despite their artificial origin, they are hardy, long-lived, and develop the same personable, food-begging personalities as their parent species.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold makes an excellent primary staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp. Feed 2–3 times daily in amounts consumed within a few minutes.
Keep in groups in well-structured aquariums away from aggressive fish. The restricted mouth makes them gentle neighbors but also vulnerable.
Compatible with medium-sized peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Hardy and personable — long-lived aquarium residents with bold color and the same recognizing-their-keeper personality as other large cichlids.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive — peaceful for a large cichlid |
| Typical Adult Size | 8.0 inches (20 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 3 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 76–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 8–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 4–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Captive hybrid — Amphilophus citrinellus x Paraneetroplus synspilus |
| Notes | Standard orange Blood Parrot hybrid. Most widely available form. |
