Hybrid blood parrot 13 - (Hybrid (Cichlidae)) — 13-15cm

Overview

The aquarium fish UK hybrid blood parrot cichlid is a colorful, hardy captive-bred hybrid with a distinctive parrot-like mouth and bold personality. Available for sale UK through Tropical Fish Co, this popular ornamental cichlid thrives in well-maintained community aquariums and brings vibrant color, charm, and entertainment to suitable setups.

Appearance

The blood parrot cichlid reaches up to 13–15 cm in length and displays a plump, rounded body with a unique, deformed mouth shape that gives it a parrot-like appearance. Coloration varies widely, with most individuals showing bright orange, red, yellow, or mixed hues. The fins are rounded, and the overall appearance is robust and endearing. Due to selective breeding, the mouth shape can affect feeding efficiency.

Natural Habitat

This is a captive-bred hybrid derived from Central American cichlid lineages and is not a naturally occurring wild species. It has no wild habitat and is bred exclusively for the aquarium trade. The parent species typically inhabit warm, tropical freshwater rivers and lakes with moderate current, dense vegetation, and rocky substrates.

Aquarium Setup

Provide a spacious aquarium of at least 200 litres with strong filtration, smooth décor, and ample swimming space. Use rounded rocks, driftwood, and smooth substrates to prevent injury to the fish's unusual mouth. Avoid sharp or rough décor. Moderate lighting and plenty of hiding places help reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Water Parameters

Maintain warm, clean water between 23–26°C with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Regular partial water changes (30–50% weekly) and excellent filtration are essential to keep water quality high. This species is hardy but sensitive to poor water conditions, requiring consistent maintenance. Avoid sudden parameter shifts and ensure the tank is fully cycled before introduction.

Feeding

The blood parrot cichlid is an omnivore. Offer a varied diet of quality cichlid pellets or sticks (preferably small, sinking varieties) supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis, plus occasional vegetable matter (blanched peas, spinach). Avoid overfeeding and choose soft, appropriately sized foods that the fish can manage with its deformed mouth.

Behaviour

The blood parrot cichlid is semi-aggressive, social, and often comical in its behavior. It is territorial, especially during breeding, but generally less aggressive than many pure-bred cichlids. Individuals may display shy or bold personalities, and some develop strong bonds with their owners. They are active during the day and appreciate ample swimming space.

Tank Mates

Ideal companions include robust, similarly sized peaceful to semi-aggressive fish, such as large tetras, silver dollars, plecos, and other sturdy community fish too large to be bullied. Avoid very small fish such as guppies, neon tetras, and fry, fin-nipping fish, highly aggressive cichlids, very timid species, shrimp, and most small invertebrates. Choose tankmates that appreciate similar tropical conditions.

Breeding

Blood parrots may spawn, but many hybrids are infertile or produce low-fertility eggs. When breeding does occur, they usually lay eggs on flat surfaces and may show parental care, though outcomes are unpredictable. If you wish to breed, provide stable water conditions, flat spawning surfaces, and a conditioned pair, but be aware that fry are rarely viable.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co UK, we supply healthy, acclimated blood parrot cichlids carefully selected for size, coloration, and vitality. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and conditioned before dispatch, ensuring you receive a robust, vibrant specimen ready to thrive in your aquarium. With expert care advice, secure packaging, and a commitment to quality, we make adding this charming hybrid cichlid to your collection straightforward and rewarding. Order today.