Apistogramma sp. 'Parrot' (often traded under its German name, 'Papagei') is a beautiful South American dwarf cichlid from the Peruvian Amazon. Like most Apistogrammas, they are bottom-dwelling micropredators that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with a sandy substrate and leaf litter. Males are highly colorful and territorial, while females are smaller and turn an intense, warning yellow during breeding.
Apistogramma Parrot At a Glance
Apistogramma Parrot Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma Parrot fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma Parrot needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma Parrot against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Apistogramma Parrot Water Parameters
Water care products
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Apistogramma Parrot Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma Parrot Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard)
The standard display fish. Males feature elongated fins, striking facial markings, and vibrant colors. They are highly intolerant of other Apistogramma males in standard-sized aquariums and will fiercely defend their bottom territory.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Show Male
Female
Significantly smaller than the male. Normally displays a drab grey/brown for camouflage, but turns a brilliant, intense yellow with dark black blotches when guarding a brood. Can be kept in harems (multiple females to one male) if the tank has sufficient broken sightlines.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Yellow Female, Harem
Apistogramma Parrot Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma Parrot, scientifically known as Apistogramma sp. "Parrot", belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma Parrot requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5–7 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma Parrot is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Standard) and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Apistogramma Parrot Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma Parrot, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Apistogramma Parrot Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma Parrot is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Apistogramma Parrot Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma Parrot.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Apistogramma Parrot Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma Parrot will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Apistogramma Parrot
How big does Apistogramma Parrot get?
Apistogramma Parrot (Apistogramma sp. "Parrot") typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma Parrot need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma Parrot. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma Parrot need?
Apistogramma Parrot thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma Parrot peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma Parrot is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Apistogramma Parrot live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Apistogramma Parrot should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Is Apistogramma Parrot safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma Parrot is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Apistogramma Parrot have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma Parrot benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Apistogramma Parrot
These plants pair well with Apistogramma Parrot based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Apistogramma Parrot
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
The Marbled Apisto is a beautiful, diminutive South American dwarf cichlid. Like most Apistogramma species, they are bottom-dwelling micropredators that naturally sift through fine sand and leaf litter for food. They require soft, acidic water, gentle flow, and plenty of visual barriers like driftwood and caves to feel secure. As harem breeders, a typical setup includes one male and several females.
Apistogramma uaupesi
Apistogramma uaupesi
A stunning and rare dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater Rio Uaupés basin in South America. They are strictly blackwater fish, requiring very soft, acidic water and dim lighting to thrive. Males are famous for their spectacular, sail-like dorsal fins and lyretails. Like most Apistogramma, they are harem breeders and require complex environments with sightline breaks.
Apistogramma Orange-tail
Apistogramma cf. eunotus "Orange-tail"
A beautiful South American dwarf cichlid known for its personality and stunning coloration. They are micropredators that naturally inhabit slow-moving tributaries with sandy bottoms and leaf litter. While generally peaceful towards non-cichlid tank mates (like tetras and pencilfish), they are highly territorial among their own kind and will readily hunt dwarf shrimp.
Apistogramma Black-Chin
Apistogramma allpahuayo
A stunning dwarf cichlid from the blackwaters of Peru, formerly known as Apistogramma sp. 'Black-Chin' until it was scientifically described as A. allpahuayo in 2012. It is famous for the male's distinct pitch-black chin and its unique ability among Apistogrammas to undergo functional sex change (a female can morph into a functional male if the dominant male dies). They are harem breeders that require pristine, highly acidic water with leaf litter and a sandy substrate.
Apistogramma atahualpa
Apistogramma atahualpa
A striking dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Peruvian Amazon (Rio Nanay basin). They require soft, acidic water and a sandy substrate, as they naturally sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become highly territorial during breeding. Leaf litter and driftwood are essential to mimic their natural habitat.
Apistogramma macmasteri
Apistogramma macmasteri
A stunning, brightly colored dwarf cichlid native to the Meta River basin in Colombia. They are intelligent, sand-sifting micropredators that form complex social hierarchies. While relatively peaceful in a community setting, they become fiercely territorial during breeding. Soft, sandy substrate is strictly required for their gill-sifting feeding behavior.