True parrot cichlid
Hoplarchus psittacus
Also known as Real parrot cichlid, Parrot cichlid, Hoplarchus pentacanthus
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
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Blackwater rivers of the Rio Negro and upper Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, in soft, acidic flooded forest.
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
A single adult or pair needs a tank of at least 570 liters at 26 to 30 C and pH 4.5 to 6.8, with soft, warm, spotless water. Provide wood, leaf litter, and open swimming space. Feed quality pellets and frozen foods, and keep the tank very clean. It is a shy giant that is mostly peaceful but eats small fish.
In the wild
The true parrot cichlid lives in blackwater rivers of the Rio Negro and upper Orinoco in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. It occupies soft, acidic, tannin-stained flooded forest and slow shallows. This is a large, slow-growing fish that is sensitive to water quality. It needs warm, soft, very clean water to do well.
Good to know
Hoplarchus psittacus was described by Heckel in 1840 and is the only species in its genus. Adults reach about 35 cm and show an emerald and turquoise body with red speckling and a red eye. It is a genuine blackwater specialist and should not be confused with the man-made blood parrot hybrid.
Did you know
Despite its size it is a timid fish that often hides, and it needs calm surroundings before it will show its full green color.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Aquatic Arts Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with an arrive-alive guarantee
- Imperial Tropicals Freshwater fish and inverts bred at a Florida hatchery
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping True parrot cichlid?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Severum
Heros efasciatus11.8 in (30 cm)65 gal (245 L)72–84°F (22–29°C)
Spotted Severum
Heros notatus11.8 in (30 cm)58 gal (220 L)72–84°F (22–29°C)
Blue zaire frontosa
Cyphotilapia gibberosa13.8 in (35 cm)119 gal (450 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus13.8 in (35 cm)95 gal (360 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)
Red devil cichlid
Amphilophus labiatus13.8 in (35 cm)75 gal (284 L)75–79°F (24–26°C)
Redhead Cichlid
Vieja melanurus14.6 in (37 cm)75 gal (285 L)77–82°F (25–28°C)