Red parrot

Red parrot

The Red Parrot Cichlid is a freshwater hybrid fish first developed in Taiwan in the 1980s. It is recognized by its round, balloon-like body, bright orange or red coloration, and a small, beak-like mouth that cannot fully close. Growing to about 20 cm (8 inches), they are intelligent, inquisitive “water puppies” that will often recognize their owners. While they can be territorial, their small mouths make them less dangerous than other cichlids, making them great for community tanks with medium-sized fish. Now in stock

Category: Fishes

Description

1. Origin & Hybrid Status

Scientific Name: None (Hybrid). often listed as Cichlasoma sp. hybrid.
Origin: Man-made. They do not exist in the wild.
Parentage: Exact lineage is a trade secret, but they are generally believed to be a cross between a Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) and a Redhead Cichlid (Paraneetroplus synspilus).
The “Parrot” Name: Named because their nose and mouth resemble a parrot’s beak.

2. Appearance & Deformities

Mouth: Their most defining feature is their small, vertical mouth. Most Red Parrots cannot close their mouths completely.
Body: They have a round, compact body with a curved spine (similar to “balloon” varieties of other fish).
Color: They range from pale orange to deep blood-red. Note: They often need color-enhancing food to maintain that deep red look, otherwise they may fade to orange/pink.

3. Temperament (The “Water Puppy”)

Personality: They are incredibly interactive. They will follow your finger along the glass, beg for food, and can even be hand-fed.
Aggression: They are “semi-aggressive.” They have the territorial instincts of a cichlid and will try to ram or chase other fish. However, because their mouths are small and deformed, they usually cannot inflict serious damage, making their bark worse than their bite.

4. Aquarium Care

Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a single fish, but 55 gallons is better to give them swimming room.
Filtration: They are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste, so heavy filtration (like a canister filter) is recommended.
Decor: They love to dig! Use sand substrate or heavy gravel. Avoid delicate plants, as they will likely uproot them. Clay pots and large rocks make great hiding spots.

5. Diet & Feeding

The Mouth Issue: Because their mouths are shaped awkwardly, they sometimes struggle with floating flakes.
Best Food: Sinking pellets are ideal. They also love frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. Look for foods rich in beta-carotene or “color enhancing” pellets to keep them red.

6. Breeding (The Sad Truth)

Sterility: Most male Red Parrots are sterile.
The Process: You will often see them pair up, clean a rock, and lay eggs just like other cichlids. However, because the male cannot fertilize them, the eggs will turn white and fungus over after a few days. Occasionally, a female Parrot can breed with a non-hybrid male (like a Convict Cichlid) to produce fertile fry.