Parrot Cichlid Care: Tank Size, Feeding, Behavior

Parrot Cichlids are one of the most colorful and charismatic freshwater fish you can add to your aquarium. Known for their bright orange-red bodies and curious personalities, these hybrid fish are popular with both beginner and experienced aquarists. But they’re not your typical cichlids—because of their unique body shape and hybrid origins, they come with some special care needs.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Parrot Cichlid care, including ideal tank setup, feeding tips, compatibility, and how to handle common health issues.

What Is a Parrot Cichlid?

Parrot Cichlids are a man-made hybrid, often created by crossing midas cichlids with redhead cichlids. They’re not found in the wild, and their rounded bodies, beak-like mouths, and bright coloration make them instantly recognizable.

Quick Facts:

Size: 7–10 inches
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Swimming Zone: Middle and bottom
Best For: Beginner to intermediate aquarists

Want more vibrant options? Visit our Colorful Freshwater Fish Guide

Tank Setup for Parrot Cichlids

Tank Size

These fish get larger than many people expect. For one adult Parrot Cichlid, you’ll need at least a 55-gallon tank. If you plan to keep more than one, upgrade to 75 gallons or more. This helps reduce aggression and gives them space to explore.

Water Conditions

Parameter	Ideal Range
Temperature	76–80°F (24–27°C)
pH	6.5–7.5
Hardness	6–18 dGH

Use a heater to maintain temperature and test water weekly for stability.

Filtration and Flow

Parrot Cichlids are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste. Use a powerful canister or hang-on-back filter, and perform 20–30% weekly water changes to keep conditions clean.

Substrate and Décor

Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
Décor: Include caves, driftwood, or clay pots for hiding
Avoid sharp decorations—they can scrape their bodies
Use hardy plants or artificial ones, as they may dig

Feeding Parrot Cichlids

Parrot Cichlids are omnivores, and their awkward-shaped mouths require special feeding care.

Diet Includes:

High-quality pellets or sinking cichlid food
Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp
Blanched vegetables: zucchini, spinach, peas

Feeding Tips:

Feed 2–3 small meals per day
Use sinking foods—they have trouble picking food from the surface
Clean up leftovers to avoid poor water quality

Parrot Cichlid Behavior

Parrot Cichlids are lively, curious fish that love interaction. They’ll often recognize their owners and come up to the glass when it’s feeding time.

Personality Traits:

Semi-aggressive, especially during feeding
May dig into substrate and rearrange tank décor
Best kept in peaceful or semi-aggressive tanks with similar-sized fish

Planning a peaceful tank? Explore our Community Fish Guide

Compatible Tank Mates

Parrot Cichlids can live with other fish—but tank mates should be chosen carefully based on size and temperament.

Good Tank Mates:

Severums
Firemouth Cichlids
Silver Dollars
Blood Parrots (same species)
Large Barbs (Rosy, Tinfoil)

Avoid These:

Small fish (they may become snacks)
Shrimp or snails
Aggressive species like Oscars, Green Terrors
Fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs

Always monitor interactions when adding new fish.

Health Issues in Parrot Cichlids

Because of their body shape and hybrid background, Parrot Cichlids can experience some unique health problems.

Common Issues:

Swim bladder problems – can cause swimming imbalance
Feeding difficulty – due to malformed mouths
Stress – from aggressive tank mates or poor water
Hole-in-the-head disease – common in cichlids, related to water quality or poor diet

Prevention Tips:

Keep water clean and oxygenated
Feed a high-quality, balanced diet
Avoid overstocking
Add vitamins or garlic to food occasionally

Breeding Parrot Cichlids

Parrot Cichlids may form pairs and show spawning behavior, but most males are sterile, which makes successful breeding unlikely in home aquariums.

If Breeding Happens:

Female lays eggs on flat rocks or in a cave
Male may fertilize (rarely successful)
Remove other fish to protect the eggs

If the eggs hatch, feed fry with infusoria or baby brine shrimp.

Are Parrot Cichlids Right for You?

Parrot Cichlid Care Tank Size Feeding Behavior

Parrot Cichlids are ideal for aquarists who want a fish with personality, color, and interaction. While they’re hardy and beginner-friendly, their specific care needs mean you’ll need to keep up with regular maintenance.

They’re a great fit if you:

Have a 55+ gallon tank
Enjoy interactive fish
Can manage semi-aggressive behavior
Want a colorful, long-lived species

FAQs

Are Parrot Cichlids aggressive?
They’re semi-aggressive and can be territorial, especially during feeding.

Can Parrot Cichlids live with other fish?
Yes, with similar-sized and non-aggressive tank mates.

What’s the best tank size for a Parrot Cichlid?
55 gallons for one fish. Add more space if keeping them in a group.

Can Parrot Cichlids breed in home tanks?
Breeding is rare due to male infertility, but egg-laying can still happen.

Do they bite or nip?
Not usually—they can’t close their mouths fully, so nipping is minimal.

Final Thoughts

Parrot Cichlids are a beautiful and engaging addition to your aquarium. With the right setup, diet, and tank mates, they’ll thrive for years and become a centerpiece in your tank. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, these fish offer a unique blend of beauty and personality—just make sure to give them the space and care they deserve.