True parrot cichlid
Hoplarchus psittacus
Also known as Real parrot cichlid, Parrot cichlid, Hoplarchus pentacanthus
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 79–86°F
- 26–30°C
- pH
- 4.5–6.8
- Adult size
- 13.8 in
- 35 cm
- Minimum tank
- 151 gal
- 570 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Blackwater rivers of the Rio Negro and upper Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, in soft, acidic flooded forest.
Overview
The true parrot cichlid is a shy, mostly peaceful giant for a very large blackwater tank. It is a fish for experienced keepers.
Did you know
The true parrot cichlid should not be confused with the blood parrot. That fish is a man-made hybrid, while this one is a genuine blackwater specialist.
Caring for the true parrot cichlid
Keep a single adult or a pair of true parrot cichlids in at least 151 gal (570 L). Provide wood, leaf litter and open swimming space. Despite its size it is timid and often hides, and it shows its full green color only in calm surroundings.
Give it soft, warm water at 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C) and a pH of 4.5 to 6.8. It is sensitive to water quality, so keep the water spotless and the tank very clean.
Feed quality pellets and frozen foods. The true parrot cichlid is mostly peaceful, but it eats small fish, so choose its tank mates with caution. Breeding it is hard.
Good to know
Hoplarchus psittacus is a large, slow-growing member of the family Cichlidae, and the only species in its genus. Heckel described it in 1840. Adults show an emerald and turquoise body with red speckling and a red eye.
In the wild
The true parrot cichlid lives in blackwater rivers of the Rio Negro and upper Orinoco, in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. It is found in flooded forest and slow shallows, where the water is soft, acidic and stained with tannins.
Common questions
What size tank does a true parrot cichlid need?
A true parrot cichlid needs at least 151 gal (570 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a true parrot cichlid need?
A true parrot cichlid is comfortable at 79–86°F (26–30°C) with a pH of 4.5–6.8.
What does a true parrot cichlid eat?
A true parrot cichlid eats quality pellets and frozen foods. It also eats small fish, so choose its tank mates with caution.
How big does a true parrot cichlid get?
An adult true parrot cichlid reaches about 13.8 in (35 cm).
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