The Parrot Fish, commonly known as the Blood Parrot Cichlid, is one of the most popular and eye-catching freshwater aquarium fish. Loved for its bright colors, rounded body shape, and friendly personality, Parrot Fish are an excellent choice for aquarists who want a vibrant yet relatively peaceful centerpiece fish.
Appearance & Size
- Adult Size: 15–20 cm
- Body Shape: Rounded, balloon-like body
- Color Varieties: Orange, red, yellow, white, mixed patterns
- Mouth: Beak-shaped (parrot-like) mouth
- Swimming Level: Mid-level
Their bright coloration becomes more intense with good nutrition and stable water conditions.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
- Tank Size: Minimum 150 litres
- Temperature: 24–28°C
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Water Hardness: Medium
- Filtration: Strong filtration required
- Decor: Rocks, driftwood, open swimming areas
- Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
Provide hiding spaces to reduce stress, especially in community tanks.
Feeding Requirements
Parrot Fish are omnivorous and easy to feed:
- Cichlid pellets or sticks
- Color-enhancing foods
- Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
Feed 2 times daily in small portions to avoid overfeeding.
Behavior & Compatibility
- Semi-peaceful temperament
- Best kept with medium to large peaceful fish
- Compatible with severums, silver dollars, large tetras, plecos
- Avoid very aggressive cichlids and very small fish
They may become slightly territorial during breeding or maturity.
Why Choose Parrot Fish?
✔ Bright, attractive colors
✔ Hardy and long-lived
✔ Friendly and interactive behavior
✔ Great centerpiece fish
✔ Suitable for large community tanks
Parrot Fish bring color, character, and charm to any freshwater aquarium.