Description

🐠 Red Parrot Cichlid

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Hybrid Cichlid (Blood Parrot Cichlid)

• Common Name: Red Parrot / Blood Parrot

• Size: 7 – 10 inches (18 – 25 cm)

• Lifespan: 8 – 12 years

• Tank Zone: Middle to Bottom

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

• Water Type: Freshwater, slightly soft to moderately hard

• Hardness: GH 5–12, KH 3–8

🐟 Characteristics

• Bright orange-red body (color intensity varies).

• Rounded body shape with beak-like mouth.

• Peaceful compared to other cichlids but can be semi-aggressive when breeding.

• Intelligent and interactive – recognizes owners.

• Cannot close mouth fully due to hybrid genetics.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality pellets, flakes, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), blanched vegetables (peas, spinach), spirulina.

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, small portions.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Weekly water change: 25–30%

• Strong filtration (messy eaters).

• Provide caves, rocks, and hiding spots.

• Needs spacious tank with good aeration.

• Stable water parameters are very important.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Can be kept alone or in pairs; better in small groups (3–5) if tank is large.

• Tank Mates: Silver Dollars, Severum, Plecos, Giant Gouramis, Bala Sharks, other medium-to-large peaceful cichlids.

• Avoid: Very small fish (may get eaten) and overly aggressive species like Flowerhorns or large Oscars.

✅ Do’s

• Keep them in a large, well-planted or decorated tank.

• Provide hiding spaces to reduce stress.

• Feed a varied diet to maintain color and health.

• Keep stable, clean water with good oxygen levels.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep with tiny fish (tetras, guppies).

• Don’t expose to sudden water changes.

• Don’t overstock the tank (causes aggression & stress).

• Don’t rely only on color-enhancing food – needs balance.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Hybrid cichlid → hardy and beginner-friendly for large aquariums.

• Great centerpiece fish due to bright color and playful personality.

• Needs space, good filtration, and calm tank mates.