Hybrid blood parrot 5 - (Hybrid) — 5-6cm

Overview

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a colorful, hardy hybrid cichlid celebrated for its distinctive rounded body and playful personality. Originally developed in Taiwan from Central American cichlid stock, this semi-aggressive species thrives in stable, well-filtered aquariums with robust tank mates. Available for sale UK-wide, the Blood Parrot Cichlid is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a unique, interactive centerpiece fish with moderate care requirements.

Appearance and Coloration

The Blood Parrot Cichlid displays a rounded, bulbous body with vibrant orange, red, or yellow coloration (color varies by line and individual). This hybrid has a distinctive beak-like mouth, large eyes, and a somewhat compressed, balloon-like body shape. The fins may show subtle iridescence or contrasting colors. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may develop a slightly more pronounced nuchal hump.

Natural Habitat

As an artificial hybrid, the Blood Parrot Cichlid does not exist in the wild. Its parentage typically involves Central American cichlid species, and it has been selectively bred for aquarium trade. Captive-bred individuals are hardy and adaptable to a variety of water conditions.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 180-litre aquarium is recommended for the Blood Parrot Cichlid. Provide smooth décor and open swimming space, as the fish's beak-like mouth and body shape can make them prone to injury on sharp ornaments. Hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern, smooth rocks, and caves create hiding places and territorial markers. Strong filtration maintains water quality, as this species is messy.

Water Parameters

Maintain neutral to slightly acidic water with pH 6.5-7.5 and temperatures between 23-26°C. General hardness (GH) of 6-12 dGH is ideal. The Blood Parrot Cichlid is adaptable and tolerates a range of conditions, but stable parameters promote best health and coloration. Perform weekly water changes of 25-30% to control nitrate and maintain stable parameters.

Feeding and Diet

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is an omnivore that thrives on a varied diet. Offer quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. Occasional vegetable matter and spirulina-based foods provide balanced nutrition. Avoid overfeeding, and choose soft, bite-sized foods that accommodate the fish's unusual mouth shape. Feed once or twice daily in portions consumed within a few minutes.

Behaviour and Personality

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a semi-aggressive, interactive fish with a playful personality. This species can be territorial, particularly during breeding or feeding, but is generally less aggressive than many pure cichlid species. Blood Parrots often recognize their owners and may beg for food or interact at the glass. They are social fish that do well in groups or with similarly sized, robust tank mates.

Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates include other similarly sized peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids, robust community fish, plecos, large tetras, and rainbowfish. Avoid very small fish, fin-nipping species, highly aggressive cichlids, delicate slow-moving fish, and shrimp or small invertebrates.

Breeding

Blood Parrot Cichlids are hybrids and are often sterile or have very low fertility. When spawning does occur, pairs may lay eggs on flat surfaces, but successful rearing is uncommon and may require specialist intervention. Even when eggs are fertilized, parental care can be inconsistent, and fry survival is low.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is your trusted source for healthy, vibrant hybrid cichlids, including the popular Blood Parrot Cichlid. Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and acclimatized to UK water conditions before dispatch. We provide expert guidance on tank setup, water chemistry, and compatible stocking to help you create a thriving semi-aggressive aquarium. With fast, reliable delivery across the UK and a commitment to quality fishkeeping, Tropical Fish Co is your premier destination for unique and engaging freshwater fish.