Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here is a complete and detailed guide to the Red Parrot Fish, one of the most popular...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here is a complete and detailed guide to the Red Parrot Fish, one of the most popular and colorful hybrid cichlids in the freshwater aquarium hobby:
Red Parrot Fish
Blood Parrot Cichlid
Red Blood Parrot
Red Parrot Cichlid
Hybrid Parrot Fish
Scientific Name: Hybrid (no formal scientific name)
Parent Species (likely hybrid):
Amphilophus citrinellus (Midas Cichlid)
Paraneetroplus synspilus or Severum species
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Taiwan, developed in the 1980s via selective breeding
Type: Freshwater hybrid cichlid
⚠️ This fish does not exist in the wild. It is a man-made hybrid bred for its bright color and unique shape.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Color | Bright cherry red to deep red-orange body. Intensity varies with diet and genetics. |
Size | 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm) in captivity |
Body Shape | Rounded, balloon-like body with a beak-shaped mouth |
Fins | Flowing dorsal, anal, and caudal fins; fan-like appearance |
Eyes | Typically large and bright, can be red or yellow |
Mouth Function | Characteristic small, fixed mouth – opens slightly but doesn’t close fully |
Peaceful to semi-aggressive – generally calm but may get territorial during feeding or breeding
Intelligent and social – interacts with owners, follows movement outside tank
Tank rearranger – may dig substrate or move decorations
Non-predatory, but may bully smaller fish if space is limited
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Tank Size | 30 gallons for one, 55–75 gallons for a pair or community |
Temperature | 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F) |
pH Level | 6.5 – 7.5 |
Water Hardness | 6 – 20 dGH |
Filtration | Strong filter required (Red Parrots are messy eaters) |
Substrate | Fine gravel or sand |
Décor | Provide caves, driftwood, rocks for hiding and territory |
Plants | Use hardy or artificial plants – they may uproot live plants |
Lighting | Moderate lighting enhances their red coloration |
Lid | Recommended – may jump occasionally |
Compatible | Not Recommended |
---|---|
Other Blood Parrots | Small fish (e.g., guppies, neon tetras) |
Severums, Firemouths | Aggressive cichlids (unless tank is large) |
Angelfish, Rainbowfish, Giant Danios | Fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs |
Corydoras, Plecos, Loaches | Crustaceans like shrimp or small snails |
Best kept with similarly sized peaceful to semi-aggressive fish in a spacious tank.
Type | Examples |
---|---|
Staple Food | High-quality color-enhancing cichlid pellets |
Live/Frozen | Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia |
Vegetables | Blanched peas, spinach, zucchini |
Color Enhancers | Krill, shrimp, carotenoid-rich foods |
Feed 1–2 times per day
Feed small portions to avoid waste and bloating
Provide a varied diet to maintain bright red color and good health
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Breeding Type | Egg-laying substrate spawner |
Pair Formation | Can form strong monogamous bonds |
Spawning Behavior | Clean flat surface, guard territory, lip-locking |
Egg Count | 200 – 300 eggs per spawn |
Hatching Time | 2 – 3 days after laying |
Fertility | Many Red Parrots are infertile (males especially); females may lay eggs that remain unfertilized |
Fry Rearing | Rarely successful unless paired with compatible, fertile hybrid or wild cichlid |
Common Health Issues | Prevention |
---|---|
Swim bladder problems | Feed sinking food; offer peas to relieve bloating |
Hole-in-the-head disease (HITH) | Maintain clean water and provide a vitamin-rich diet |
Bacterial infections | Avoid overcrowding; quarantine new fish |
Mouth deformities | Inherent to hybrid – choose healthy specimens from ethical breeders |
Perform weekly water changes (25–40%)
Use a good quality water conditioner
Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden changes
8 – 12 years with proper care
Some may live longer in optimal conditions
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Type | Freshwater hybrid cichlid |
Size | 6 – 8 inches |
Color | Bright red / orange-red |
Temperament | Peaceful to semi-aggressive |
Diet | Omnivorous |
Tank Size | 30 – 75+ gallons |
Breeding | Moderate difficulty; males often infertile |
Lifespan | 8 – 12 years |
Care Level | Easy to moderate |
🔴 Striking red coloration – ideal centerpiece fish
🧠 Highly intelligent and interactive with owners
✅ Hardy and adaptable – great for beginners and experienced hobbyists
🎨 Often used in decorative or planted aquariums as a show fish
🐠 Available in various shades: red, orange, yellow, and albino
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