The 'True' Parrot Cichlid is a large, stunning South American species known for its brilliant emerald green coloration and distinctive dark facial markings. It should NOT be confused with the man-made 'Blood Parrot' hybrid. Originating from blackwater rivers, it is highly sensitive to water quality and requires pristine, warm, soft, and acidic water. Due to its massive adult size, it requires a massive aquarium and will consume any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Parrot Cichlid At a Glance
Parrot Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Parrot Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Parrot Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Parrot Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Parrot Cichlid Water Parameters
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Parrot Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Parrot Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The fully grown adult form. Boasts magnificent green coloration. Requires a very large footprint and heavy filtration to handle its extreme bioload. Highly territorial, especially if a breeding pair forms.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult True Parrot
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Sold at a smaller size, but will grow rapidly into a 30cm+ monster fish. They can be temporarily housed in smaller tanks but MUST be upgraded to a 120+ gallon (450L+) aquarium as they mature.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby True Parrot
Parrot Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Parrot Cichlid, scientifically known as Hoplarchus psittacus, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 32 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Parrot Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.2 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Parrot Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). 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.
Parrot Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Parrot Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom 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, and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Parrot Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Parrot Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Parrot Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Parrot Cichlid.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Parrot Cichlid
How big does Parrot Cichlid get?
Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 32 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Parrot Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm are recommended for Parrot Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Parrot Cichlid need?
Parrot Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.2, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Parrot Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Parrot Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Parrot Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Parrot Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Parrot Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Parrot Cichlid benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding), leaf litter/blackwater, and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Parrot Cichlid
These plants pair well with Parrot Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Parrot Cichlid
Blood Parrot Cichlid
Hybrid cichlid (Blood Parrot)
A highly popular man-made hybrid (most commonly a cross between a Midas Cichlid and a Redhead Cichlid). They are known for their bright orange/red coloration, nuchal humps, and distinctive 'smiling' deformed mouths. Due to their mouth anatomy, they cannot bite effectively, which makes them less lethal than purebred Central American cichlids, though they retain strong territorial instincts and will aggressively 'bump' tankmates. They are messy eaters and produce a high bioload.
Chocolate Cichlid
Hypselecara temporalis
A large, deep-bodied South American cichlid famous for its 'gentle giant' temperament. They undergo significant color changes as they mature, eventually displaying rich chocolate browns, greens, and vibrant reds. Though peaceful for their size, they are still cichlids and will consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Black Diamond Cichlid
Paratilapia polleni
A striking, highly intelligent cichlid native to the island of Madagascar. Commonly known as the Starry Night Cichlid due to its velvety jet-black body covered in brilliant iridescent white, blue, or gold spots. They possess a large mouth and are piscivorous (fish-eating), making them a threat to smaller tank mates. They are robust, aggressively territorial, and best kept as solitary showpiece fish or in heavily managed, large cichlid communities.
Apistogramma Parrot
Apistogramma sp. "Parrot"
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.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.