True Parrot Cichlid
True Parrot Cichlid
True Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus) is a genuinely extraordinary large cichlid — the legitimate parrot cichlid, a wild species that has long been overshadowed in the hobby by the hybrid 'Blood Parrot.' Males develop stunning metallic green to blue-green body coloration with dark vertical banding and vivid red eyes — a combination of colors genuinely reminiscent of a macaw parrot. It is the only member of its genus and represents one of the finest large cichlids available to the advanced aquarist.
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.
⚠ Size & Specialist Note: The True Parrot Cichlid requires a minimum of 125 gallons for a single fish or pair, and 200+ gallons for a group. This species also requires true blackwater conditions — very soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5, GH 1–5) — for long-term health. It is not suitable for standard tropical community aquariums.
Native to the blackwater rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basins — the Rio Negro, Urubu, Jamari, and upper Orinoco drainages in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. This species requires true blackwater conditions for long-term health: pH 5.5–6.5, GH 1–5, very soft water with tannin additions. Standard hard or alkaline water conditions are not suitable.
The True Parrot Cichlid is truly magnificent, intelligent, and rewarding for the dedicated aquarist. Keep as a bonded pair or with other large, peaceful blackwater South American cichlids — Severums, Chocolate Cichlids, Angelfish, and Geophagus make natural companions. Avoid aggressive Central American cichlids.
The True Parrot Cichlid is the fish for serious South American cichlid enthusiasts who want the genuine article — a wild species with extraordinary color, demanding water requirements, and the kind of presence that only comes from a large, intelligent, naturally occurring fish.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Temperament | Peaceful for its size — blackwater specialist |
| Typical Adult Size | 14 inches (35 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Pair or small group — 125+ gallon minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 78–84°F (26–29°C) |
| Ideal pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Ideal GH | 1–5 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–3 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 | Blackwater rivers, Amazon and Orinoco basins — Rio Negro, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela |
| Notes | The genuine wild Parrot Cichlid — distinct from Blood Parrot hybrid. Metallic green-blue coloration with red eyes. True blackwater conditions essential. 125+ gallon minimum. Advanced species. |
