Blood Parrot Cichlid

Blood Parrot Cichlid (Hybrid (Amphilophus citrinellus x Vieja melanurus)) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. The captive-bred Blood Parrot Cichlid sold at most LFS comes from generations of farmed stock and is generally hardier and better-acclimated to tank conditions than wild-caught equivalents. Wild specimens are occasionally available for keepers chasing original-bloodline coloration or biotope-accurate stocking.

Blood Parrot Cichlid requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (8 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Blood Parrot Cichlid sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.

For a Blood Parrot Cichlid setup: tank sized for the adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x tank volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape and plants.

Browse our 55-gallon aquarium guide for the complete equipment list.

Blood Parrot Cichlid prefers freshwater parameters:
Temperature: 74-80°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 4-12 dGH
KH: 3-8 dKH
Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm
Nitrate: Under 20 ppm long-term
Copper: 0 (especially critical for invertebrates)

Use dechlorinator on every water change. Test parameters weekly during cycling, biweekly once stable. Stable consistency beats sliding-scale "ideal" parameters.

Blood Parrot Cichlid is a omnivore. Eats a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Quality flake or pellet (Hikari, New Life Spectrum, Tetra) plus frozen mysis or bloodworms 2-3x weekly produces best color and behavior. Feed Blood Parrot Cichlid appropriately for its size + activity level. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.

Blood Parrot Cichlid works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Adult-size matters more than purchase-size when planning stocking. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.

Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Blood Parrot Cichlid and similar species.

Blood Parrot Cichlid reaches 8 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-15 years with proper care. Most freshwater species live 3-10 years; larger species (oscars, plecos, knifefish) reach 10-20+ years.

Blood Parrot Cichlid can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Most cichlids are substrate or cave spawners; provide flat surface or cave, condition the pair with high-protein food, and trigger spawning with a 25% cool water change.

Blood Parrot Cichlid is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Blood Parrot Cichlid for 4 weeks before adding to your display tank. Treat fish in a separate hospital tank to avoid affecting plants and inverts. Most disease outbreaks trace back to poor water quality, chronic stress, or skipped quarantine.

Blood Parrot Cichlid is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:

Budget tier: $5-25
Mid-tier: $15-50
Premium tier: $40-150

Browse live Blood Parrot Cichlid from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.

How big does Blood Parrot Cichlid get?

8 inches at adulthood within 12-24 months.

How long does Blood Parrot Cichlid live?

10-15 years with proper care.

What is the minimum tank/pond size?

55 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.

Is Blood Parrot Cichlid hard to keep?

Blood Parrot Cichlid is rated beginner difficulty.

What does Blood Parrot Cichlid eat?

Blood Parrot Cichlid is a omnivore; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.

Where can I buy Blood Parrot Cichlid?

Browse live Blood Parrot Cichlid from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked Buyer Protection and a 4-hour DOA window.

How much does Blood Parrot Cichlid cost?

$5-150 depending on source and quality.

Do I need to quarantine Blood Parrot Cichlid?

Yes - quarantine new Blood Parrot Cichlid for 4-6 weeks in a separate tank before adding to your display.

Is Blood Parrot Cichlid reef safe?

Not applicable - Blood Parrot Cichlid is not a marine reef species.