Blood Parrot Cichlid

Also known as: Hybrid cichlid

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a hybrid freshwater fish known for its distinctive round body, beak-like mouth, and vibrant orange to red coloration. The Blood Parrot Cichlid originates from Hybrid cichlid, not found in nature; developed in Taiwan in the 1980s from crosses between Midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) and Redhead cichlid (Paraneetroplus synspilus)., reaches Adult size: 20-25 cm in captivity, typically lives 10-15 years, and is kept at 24-28°C (75-82°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Species at a glance

Origin: Hybrid cichlid, not found in nature; developed in Taiwan in the 1980s from crosses between Midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) and Redhead cichlid (Paraneetroplus synspilus).
Adult size: Adult size: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
Life span: 10-15 years
Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding; may show aggression toward similar-sized fish.
Tank size: Minimum 208 liters (55 gallons) for a single fish; 303 liters (80 gallons) or more recommended for pairs or community setups.
Water temp: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
pH range: 6.5-8.0
Diet: Omnivorous; accepts high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, and occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or zucchini.
Other names: Hybrid cichlid

About the Blood Parrot Cichlid

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a hybrid freshwater fish known for its distinctive round body, beak-like mouth, and vibrant orange to red coloration. It lacks a natural habitat as it is entirely man-made, resulting from selective breeding in captivity. Due to its deformed mouth structure, it may have difficulty feeding on certain foods and requires soft, easily consumable diets. Despite its controversial origins, it is popular in the aquarium trade for its engaging personality and hardy nature.

Lifespan and health

With proper care, Blood Parrot Cichlids commonly live 10-15 years, though some individuals may exceed this range in optimal conditions. Lifespan is heavily influenced by diet quality, water stability, and stress levels; fish kept in overcrowded or poorly maintained tanks often show reduced longevity due to chronic stress and weakened immunity. Common health issues include swim bladder disorders (often linked to diet or constipation), hole-in-the-head disease (associated with poor water quality and vitamin deficiencies), and susceptibility to ich or fungal infections if stressed. Their deformed mouth can lead to feeding difficulties, increasing the risk of malnutrition if not monitored. Regular observation of eating behavior, fecal output, and activity levels is essential; treat early signs of illness with appropriate medications and improve diet and water conditions promptly.

Overview

Care and tank setup

Tank setup should include a sandy or fine gravel substrate to prevent injury to the fish’s delicate mouth, along with smooth rocks, driftwood, and hardy plants like Java fern or Anubias that can withstand occasional nibbling. Provide hiding spots using caves or PVC pipes to reduce stress, especially in community tanks. A minimum tank length of 120 cm (4 feet) is advised to allow adequate swimming space and territory establishment. Water quality is critical: maintain stable parameters with weekly 25% water changes, using a filter rated for at least twice the tank volume to manage moderate waste production. Avoid strong currents that could hinder feeding due to the fish’s limited mouth mobility. Ideal temperature range is 24-28°C (75-82°F), with pH between 6.5 and 8.0 and hardness of 5-19 dGH. Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts that can be consumed within 2-3 minutes; prioritize sinking pellets or gel foods to accommodate the downward-facing mouth. Supplement with frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, or blanched vegetables 2-3 times weekly. Avoid large or hard foods that the fish cannot ingest properly, as this may lead to malnutrition or mouth injury.

Adding a Blood Parrot Cichlid? Research the species’ adult size and temperament carefully, quarantine new fish before introducing them to your tank, and buy from reputable aquarium stores or breeders.

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Blood Parrot Cichlid, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.