Why are my Blood Parrot's eggs turning white?

Male Blood Parrot Cichlids are almost universally sterile. The eggs laid by the female remain unfertilised, which causes them to die, turn white, and eventually succumb to fungal growth.

Why is my Blood Parrot Cichlid hiding all the time?

They can be exceptionally timid when first introduced to a new environment. Providing plenty of secure caves and adding active, peaceful 'dither fish' (like Silver Dollars) helps them feel safe enough to venture out.

Why is my Blood Parrot getting black spots?

Black patches or spots usually indicate stress, which can be caused by poor water quality, bullying, or sudden environmental changes. However, in young juveniles, black mottling is a normal phase before they turn fully orange.

Can Blood Parrots bite me or other fish?

No. Their distinctively deformed, beak-like mouths cannot close properly, meaning they cannot bite or cause significant physical damage. They defend themselves by 'ramming' instead.

How fast do Blood Parrots grow?

They grow relatively quickly during their first year, often reaching 10 to 12 cm. After this initial spurt, their growth slows down significantly until they achieve their final adult size of 15 to 20 cm.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Blood Parrot Cichlid

Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanura

A quirky, highly popular captive-bred hybrid known for its vibrant orange-red colouration, inquisitive personality, and distinctive beak-like mouth.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 15 – 20 cm
Minimum for a single specimen or a mated pair: 200 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sand substrate with large, stable rocky caves, terracotta pots, and robust driftwood. Hardy plants like Java Fern or Anubias can be attached to hardscape.

About the Blood Parrot Cichlid

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a man-made hybrid, first bred in Taiwan in the late 1980s, widely believed to be a cross between the Midas Cichlid and the Redhead Cichlid. It is instantly recognisable by its round, balloon-like body, large eyes, and uniquely small, perpetually open mouth. Due to its hybrid origin and resulting anatomical deformities, it frequently sparks ethical debate among aquarists. Despite these controversies, its hardy nature, striking colouration, and highly interactive personality have secured its place as a staple in many large freshwater setups.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Blood Parrot Cichlid comes from

Native range

Countries / regions

Habitat

Captive-bred hybrid; does not exist in the wild.

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a man-made hybrid, first bred in Taiwan around 1986. It has no natural geographical distribution.

Similar species

Midas Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus
Redhead Cichlid
Vieja melanura
Severum
Heros efasciatus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Large, fast-moving, and peaceful schooling fish that act as excellent dither fish, encouraging the Parrot Cichlid out of hiding.
Great
Severum
Heros efasciatus
Shares similar size, water requirements, and temperament, making them ideal, robust companions for a large community tank.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
Stays primarily at the bottom and is armoured enough to withstand any minor territorial nudges from the cichlid.
Great
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Oscars grow significantly larger and have fully functional mouths; they may outcompete the Parrot for food or bully it.
Compatible with caution
Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Convicts are highly aggressive, especially when breeding, and can easily outmanoeuvre and damage the physically restricted Parrot Cichlid.
Compatible with caution
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Despite the Parrot's small mouth, Neon Tetras are tiny enough to be swallowed whole at night.
Not recommended

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