Blood Parrot Cichlid

Blood Parrot Cichlid

Blood Parrot Cichlid is the standard Blood Parrot hybrid — typically vivid orange to red-orange body coloration on the characteristic round, heart-shaped hybrid body. The bold color and distinctive profile make it one of the most recognizable cichlids in the hobby. 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 or as pairs in well-structured aquariums. The restricted mouth means Blood Parrots cannot effectively defend themselves — avoid keeping with aggressive cichlids that will bully them. Their round bodies and unique profile are most visible against dark substrate and backgrounds.

Compatible with other medium-sized, peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids of similar size. Avoid known fin-nippers and highly aggressive species. The restricted mouth actually makes them somewhat gentler tank neighbors than standard cichlids of equivalent size.

Hardy, colorful, and personable — Blood Parrots and their variants are rewarding aquarium fish for those who appreciate their unusual appearance and personality. They are long-lived (10+ years) and develop the same keeper-recognition behavior as other large cichlids.

Care & Ideal Parameters