<h3>Tank Type</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/pets/what-to-know-blood-parrot-cichlid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Freshwater</a> only</li><li data-list="bullet">Because they are hybrid, there is no natural habitat to copy exactly — we replicate conditions friendly to cichlids.</li></ol><h3>Blood Parrot Cichlid Aquarium Size</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">For one adult fish, at least 100 liters (≈ <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 US gallons</a>) is recommended. </li><li data-list="bullet">If you keep more than one, increase the size accordingly so each has space. </li></ol><h3>Water Conditions</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">Temperature range: about <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">22–28 °C</a> (76–80 °F) is acceptable. </li><li data-list="bullet">pH level: around <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6.5 to 7.4</a> (moderate) works. </li><li data-list="bullet">Water hardness: <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6-18 dGH</a> works. </li></ol><h3>Blood Parrot Cichlid Environment Needs</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">Provide hiding places: caves, <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">driftwood</a>, rocks where the fish can retreat. </li><li data-list="bullet">Substrate: fine sand or soft gravel is better because they may dig or rummage. </li><li data-list="bullet">Plants: Use sturdy plants (or artificial ones) because they may uproot soft ones. Provide some open swimming space. </li><li data-list="bullet">Filtration: strong enough to handle waste — these fish produce moderate waste, so regular water changes and good filtration are important. </li></ol>

Blood Parrot Cichlid Habitat Requirements

Blood Parrot Cichlids need good water conditions, good nutrition, and a proper environment of their own to thrive like other aquarium fish, but these fish can suffer from a number of common ailments, of which fish keepers should be wary.<h3>Swim Bladder Problems</h3><a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hybridization</a> may cause swim bladder or internal organ deformities in some blood parrot cichlids, so they can be seen floating, swimming sideways, or swimming upside down. Recommendations to address these issues are shelled peas, not overfeeding, balanced diets, and good water conditions.<h3>“Ich” / White Spot Disease &amp; Bacterial Infections</h3>Poor water quality with high ammonia/nitrite/nitrate, bullying from tank mates, or unsuitable tank mates may cause parasitic disease like <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ich</a>, white spots trending dermally, or bacterial disease like fins erode or eyes cloud. Preventive measures that are recommended are maintaining water quality, avoiding tank mates for bullying, quarantining new fish, and using good water filtration. In case fish become infected, separate them from the others, then medicate.<h3>Stress-Related Issues &amp; Deformity-Caused Feeding Problems</h3>Blood Parrots have a beak and an unusual body shape, which may prevent them from competing for food. Signs of <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stress</a> include dark spots, hiding, and loss of appetite. Provide hiding areas if possible, compatible tankmates, and feed separately if possible.<h3>Blood Parrot Cichlid General Health Tips</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">Monitor water parameters (temperature, pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) regularly.</li><li data-list="bullet">Provide a stable environment, avoid rapid changes in <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">water chemistry</a> or temperature.</li><li data-list="bullet">Purchase fish of high quality from dealers with good reputations, avoid fish that are dyed and fish that are mutilated, since they typically do not live very long.</li><li data-list="bullet">Daily check fish for good appetite, normal coloring, and natural swimming behavior.</li></ol>

Blood Parrot Cichlid Health & Care

<h3>Diet Type</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet"><a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Omnivore</a> – they eat both animal protein and plant matter (or commercial pellet flake + vegetable bits). </li></ol><h3>Blood Parrot Cichlid Suitable Foods</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">Sinking cichlid pellets (since their mouth is small and they may struggle for surface food). </li><li data-list="bullet">Occasional frozen/live treats: e.g., <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bloodworms</a>, brine shrimp. </li><li data-list="bullet">Some vegetable matter or peas (for fiber) may help. </li></ol><h3>Feeding Frequency &amp; Tips</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">Feed once or twice a day in small amounts that they can eat in a few minutes.</li><li data-list="bullet">Because of their <a href="https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/?utm_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">small mouth</a> shape, ensure they aren’t out-competed by faster fish — consider feeding separately or using slow-sinking pellets. </li><li data-list="bullet">Remove uneaten food promptly to maintain good water quality.</li></ol>

Blood Parrot Cichlid Nutritional Guide

Friendly

Aggressive

Temperament

Super Friendly

Not Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Large

Small

Habitat Size

The Blood Parrot Cichlid (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_parrot_cichlid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanurus</a>) is a striking freshwater fish known for its bright orange-red body and “beak-like” small mouth. It’s quite popular among hobbyists because of its cheerful colors and friendly, curious behavior. What makes it unique is that it is a human-made hybrid (not found in nature) with some unusual body shapes and features that set it apart from more common aquarium fish. <h3>Origin</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">This fish was first created in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_parrot_cichlid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taiwan</a> around 1986 by breeding two different cichlid species</li><li data-list="bullet">Because it's a hybrid, it doesn’t have a “wild” habitat in nature — it was bred for aquariums </li></ol><h3>Temperament</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">Generally, they are peaceful to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_parrot_cichlid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">semi-aggressive</a>: they will explore, interact with you, and often become used to their keepers. </li><li data-list="bullet">However, when crowded or kept with aggressive tank-mates, they can become territorial or show fin-nipping behavior. </li></ol><h3>Blood Parrot Cichlid Compatibility</h3>Good tank-mates:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Other medium-to-large peaceful fish that won’t be eaten and won’t bully them:</li><li data-list="bullet" class="ql-indent-1"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/pets/what-to-know-blood-parrot-cichlid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barbs</a></li><li data-list="bullet" class="ql-indent-1">Larger, deep-bodied Tetrafish</li><li data-list="bullet" class="ql-indent-1">Severum Cichlids</li><li data-list="bullet" class="ql-indent-1">Firemouth Cichlids</li><li data-list="bullet" class="ql-indent-1">Acara Cichlids </li><li data-list="bullet" class="ql-indent-1">Catfish</li><li data-list="bullet" class="ql-indent-1">Danios </li></ol>To avoid:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Very small fish (which may be seen as food), and extremely aggressive cichlids that may bully them. </li></ol><h3>Blood Parrot Cichlid Price in India </h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">In India, you can expect a Blood Parrot Cichlid to cost somewhere ₹ 1,500 to ₹ 4,000, depending on size, color intensity, and local availability</li></ol>

They are omnivores and require a varied diet of high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods, and vegetable matter.

What do Blood Parrot Cichlids eat?

Blood Parrot Cichlids are best suited for intermediate aquarists due to their specific care requirements.

Are Blood Parrot Cichlids suitable for beginners?

Yes, a heater is necessary to maintain a stable water temperature between 24°C and 28°C for Blood Parrot Cichlids.

Do Blood Parrot Cichlids need a heater?

Blood Parrot Cichlid Fish Guide

New to aquariums? This simple guide covers Blood Parrot Cichlid care, tank mates, feeding habits, and health advice in easy-to-understand steps.

Easy Blood Parrot Cichlid Care for Beginners | Full Fish Guide

Blood Parrot Cichlids are striking hybrid fish known for their vivid orange-red hues , beak-like mouths. These medium-sized fish grow up to 7-10 inches and live for 10-15 years. Suitable for intermediate aquarists, they require moderate maintenance.

Blood Parrot Cichlid

Blood Parrot Cichlid Fish Guide

Characteristics

Blood Parrot Cichlid Habitat Requirements

Essential Equipment

Blood Parrot Cichlid Nutritional Guide

Blood Parrot Cichlid Health & Care

Prerequisites for a Fish

Frequently Asked Questions

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