
- Fish food pellets or flakes. There are different types of food for blood parrot cichlids. Some types of pellets drift well while others sink.
- Natural ingredients. The most common type of cichlid is the Red Blood Parrot, which is a gold-orange in colour, with a hint of pink on the back of the head ...
- Variety. Ideally, the diet of your blood parrot cichlid should be comprised of a variety of high quality fish foods.
- Water conditions. While there are no known genetic disorders in Blood Parrots, they are susceptible to common fish diseases like swim bladder disease and various viral infections.
- Breeding. The first step to successfully breeding a blood parrot cichlid is determining the type of food that your koi will eat.
- Genetic deformities. While blood parrots are not uncommon, they are not available in most pet stores. This was due to many avid fish lovers’ opposition to selling these creatures.
- Feeding. If you’ve got a new pet blood parrot cichlid, you’ll probably be wondering what foods you should feed them.
What to put with a blood parrot cichild?
Some compatible cichlid species for cross breeding
- Midas ( Amphilophus citrinellus)
- Severum ( Heros efasciatus)
- Redhead ( Vieja synspilum)
- Red devil ( Amphilophus labiatus)
- Firemouth ( Thorichthys meeki)
What fishes are compatible with blood parrot cichlids?
What fish are compatible with Blood Parrot Cichlid?
- Other Blood Parrot fish. As Blood Parrots will school in an aquarium, other Parrot Fish make excellent potential tankmates for blood parrot cichlids.
- Oscars. ...
- Other Cichlids. ...
- Golden Severum. ...
- Angelfish. ...
- Silver Dollars. ...
- Bala Sharks. ...
- Plecostomus. ...
- Various Catfish. ...
- Loaches. ...
What is the best fish food for cichlids?
The Best Foods For Cichlids Reviews
- TetraCichlid Cichlid Crisps Advanced Clear Water Formula. ...
- Small Omega One Super Color flowing cichlid granules. ...
- Aqueon Cichlid Food Pellets. ...
- Northfin Cichlid. ...
- Hikari Cichlid Gold Fish Food Big Pellet. ...
- Fluval Bug Bites granules for cichlids. ...
- Tetra TetraCichlid Balanced Diet Flakes Food for Cichlids. ...
- Omega One Cichlid Flakes. ...
What should I Feed my Blood parrot fish?
Blood Parrot Fish diets should be made up of high quality fish food pellets or flakes formulated for cichlids. The fish enjoy brine shrimp (live or frozen) or blood worms, and they can be offered as treats from time to time to provide important nutrients without causing them to become sick.

How often should I feed my blood parrot cichlid?
How much and how often should I feed my blood parrot fish? Be careful not to overfeed your fish, as that can lead to health problems. Feed the fish two or three times a day, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes.
What should parrot fish eat?
Parrotfish are herbivores that eat a diet that consists primarily of epilithic algae. However, studies done on the parrotfish have found that they do at times feed on other small organisms. These include invertebrates (sessile and benthic species, as well as zooplankton), bacteria, and detritus.
How often do blood parrots eat?
Diet and Feeding For protein, feed the fish high-protein bloodworms and brine shrimp three times a week. Blood parrot cichlids can't eat from the water's surface, so use sinking pellets. Limit the feeding time to a few minutes, three times a day.
How many blood parrot fish should you keep together?
We like to keep them in groups, but you can keep one blood parrot in a 30-gallon tank, three blood parrots in a 55-gallon tank, or five to six blood parrots in a 75-gallon tank. This is similar to the tank size requirements for a fancy goldfish, such that each fish needs at least 20–30 gallons of water.
Do parrot fish eat cucumber?
Parrots can eat most types of cucumber. They can eat raw, boiled, mashed, and sliced cucumber. You don't have to remove the seeds, as they are not toxic to birds. This is not true about the seeds of most veggies, though, so don't assume that all seeds are safe.
What is the best food for cichlids?
What foods are best for your Malawi cichlids?Pellets or flakes. this is the leading food for most aquarium fish. ... Spirulina. Plant-based food, which replaces algae, which would be their natural source of vegetables. ... Homemade food. Lettuce, broccoli, peas, cucumber etc. ... Meat. Use meat with caution. ... Meat (again)
How long can blood parrots go without food?
Some birds require a change of water even twice a day. However, like many other bird species, your parrot should never go for more than a day without water and more than 48 hours without food, if the parrot is big and healthy. It is 24 hours for a smaller parrot with a medical history.
How much should I feed my blood parrot?
Generally speaking, you want to feed your blood parrot twice per day, and you want to keep a regular pattern, such as once at 8 am and once at 8 pm. Moreover, you should feed them no more than they can consume in about 3 minutes.
How do I keep my parrot fish healthy?
0:362:02Blood Parrot Fish Care & Information - How to Keep Parrot Cichlid FishYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe parrotfish itself is a pretty Hardy fish when it comes to water parameters a neutral pH inMoreThe parrotfish itself is a pretty Hardy fish when it comes to water parameters a neutral pH in between 6.4. And 8 will work as well as with a temperature in between 74.
How can you tell if a blood parrot is male or female?
0:193:267 Way To Identify Male Or Female Parrot Fish - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn large male parrot trees have pointed dorsal and anal fins. While only human blood repair thingsMoreIn large male parrot trees have pointed dorsal and anal fins. While only human blood repair things should be sorted and more rounded. Sometimes if you female we have pointed things like a male.
What do blood parrots like in their tank?
The habitat for the bloody parrot should be roomy and provide plenty of hiding places so they can set up their own territory. Rocks, driftwood, and clay pots on their sides are good options. Like other cichlids, these fish will dig in the gravel, so choose a substrate that is not too rough.
Are parrot fish bottom feeders?
Although the blood-red parrot cichlids aren't necessarily bottom feeders, they zoom around the entirety of the tank. This means that you will find them swimming in the middle and sometimes going to the bottom to dig through. So, adding a smoother and smaller sandy textured substrate in the bottom is key.
How long can parrot fish live without food?
If there is algae in the tank, fish may be able to survive by grazing on that. If there are small fish in the tank, a large fish might get hungry enough to try to fit them in its mouth. On “average”, the longest period you should go without feeding your fish is 3–4 days.
How do you take care of parrot fish?
0:242:02Blood Parrot Fish Care & Information - How to Keep Parrot Cichlid FishYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd grows in size parrotfish can be fed a variety foods including floating and sinking pelletsMoreAnd grows in size parrotfish can be fed a variety foods including floating and sinking pellets frozen.
How can I improve my parrot fish color?
If you own parrot fish and you see they become pale in color, this will enhance their color for sure. You have to feed them atleast 3-4 weeks to see the results. My parrots are healthy and also maintain their intense orange color as I continuously feed them Hikari Blood Red Parrot pellets.
Does parrot fish poop sand?
The famous white-sand beaches of Hawaii, for example, actually come from the poop of parrotfish. The fish bite and scrape algae off of rocks and dead corals with their parrot-like beaks, grind up the inedible calcium-carbonate reef material (made mostly of coral skeletons) in their guts, and then excrete it as sand.
What do Blood Red Parrots Eat?
Many people struggle with finding the right kinds of foods to feed blood parrots. Because their little mouths do not open or close very much, they have to carefully line up their bodies with the food and then swim forward to “scoop” it in. This extra step can cause them to become outcompeted during mealtimes, so they need something that can be easily swallowed. Therefore, consider feeding baby-sized pellets to the juveniles and feeding mini pellets to larger adults. We find they do best with floating pellets because then the cichlids can come up from underneath the food and then gravity helps the granules to fall inside. Foods specifically made for blood parrots have the added benefit of containing color-enhancing ingredients to boost their redness.
How do Blood Parrot Cichlids Reproduce?
Because the males are usually infertile, hobbyists have not been able to reliably produce blood parrots at home. This does not stop them from trying though, so you may see the female lay her eggs on a flat surface and then both parents will guard them from would-be predators. Females can be crossed with other similar-sized Central American cichlids, but the offspring rarely look like or have the beautiful colors of blood red parrots.
What is the best food for a blood parrot?
1. Aqueon Cichlid Food Pellets. These are some really basic yet totally fine food pellets for your blood parrot cichlid.
What do blood parrots eat?
They don’t mind flake foods, but they prefer slow sinking pellet foods over most others. Moreover, these fish love to eat protein, and yes, the need lots of it. Fish parts, seafood, worms, and insects are all things which you can ...
How Often Should I Feed My Blood Parrot Fish?
Blood parrot Cichlids are quite voracious eaters and you can feed them a fair amount of food. Generally speaking, you want to feed your blood parrot twice per day, and you want to keep a regular pattern, such as once at 8 am and once at 8 pm.
What is Omega 3 for parrots?
What is also included here is a whole lot of Omega 3 and Omega 6 to help improve the immune system of your blood parrot. Moreover, these Omega One Super Color Cichlid Pellets are loaded with natural color enhancing pigments. This food even has a low ash content to ensure clean and clear water. Keep in mind that these are sinking pellets.
What are the ingredients in Aqueon cichlid food pellets?
Just some of the premium ingredients contained here include krill, squid, salmon, spirulina, garlic, and a ton of vitamins, nutrients, and essential oils. The bottom line here is that Aqueon Cichlid Food Pellets are specially designed for the health of all kinds of Cichlids including blood parrots.
What are Omega One Super Color Cichlid Pellets made of?
The very first thing that we want to mention about these Omega One Super Color Cichlid Pellets is that they are made with fish and seafood sourced from sustainable fisheries. This means that by buying these pellets, you can rest assured that you are not depleting the world’s supply of marine life and just ruining the world in general. This is something which pretty much no other fish food out there can boast.
What is Aqua Master Cichlid Food?
Aqua Master Cichlid Food is also loaded with lots of protein and a rich vitamin complex, as well as a bit of fiber. This means that this Cichlid food assists in healthy growth and development, it assists in maintaining a healthy digestive system, and it works well for enhancing the immune system as well.
How many gallons of water do you need for a blood parrot cichlid?
These are fairly large fish, averaging six to eight inches in length, so you will need a minimum tank size of 30 gallons for one blood parrot cichlid. Add 10 gallons for each additional fish.
What is a blood parrot cichlid?
Updated on Mar 31, 2021 by Peter Herzog. The blood parrot cichlid is a hybrid fish and member of the Cichlidae family. It was created in Taiwan in the mid-1980s through the pairing of two cichlid species. Although the exact parent species are unknown, they are believed to have been a male Midas cichlid ( Amphilophus citrinellus) ...
How long does it take for a blood parrot to change color?
When they are young, blood parrot cichlids can be darkly colored with stripes. Within four months, they will change to their adult coloration.
Why do blood parrots kiss?
If you see your blood parrot cichlids kissing, this is typically a territorial dispute or an attempt to establish hierarchical dominance.In general, the fish will push back and forth, with one eventually giving in.
What color are blood parrots?
Within four months, they will change to their adult coloration. Body color can range from a solid orange to combinations of red/yellow/white or even grey.
How long do blood parrots live?
If you invest in a blood parrot cichlid, keep in mind that this fish has a long lifespan. With proper care, this species can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Poor breeding practices and dye injection can impact their lifespan.
What is a squid's head?
Their round head has bright, large eyes. Their fins are large and sweep backward toward a blunt, rounded tail.
Why does the Blood Parrot Cichlid not have its own habitat?
The Blood Parrot Cichlid does not have its own natural habitat because it is the product of hybridization. To get an idea of a setup they would like, we need to look at where the parent species live in the wild ( such as the Midas Cichlid ).
What is a blood parrot?
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a member of the Cichlidae family. As they are a relatively new hybrid, they do not have a Latin or scientific name, so they are sometimes referred to as just Parrot Cichlids. This species has been bred as a hybrid of two other species. The parent species are unconfirmed, but speculation suggests Midas ...
Why is it so hard to find a tankmate for a blood parrot?
It can be difficult to find suitable tank mates because Blood Parrot Cichlids can be a little unpredictable (especially when stressed). You can’t even look at their natural companions because they are not found in the wild.
How much space does a blood parrot need?
A Blood Parrot Cichlid needs at least a 30 gallon tank – this will be enough for one fish. Every additional fish needs at least 10 gallons to ensure that they all have plenty of space. The more space you can provide the better.
What diseases do parrots catch?
There are a few diseases that a Blood Parrot Cichlid could catch. The most common is probably Ich (white spot disease), an issue that affects most aquarium fish. If your fish have Ich, you will see white spots (up to 1mm in diameter) across their body and fins.
How long do blood parrots live?
The result is a freshwater fish that can live up to 15 years if kept healthy. Make sure you are not confusing them with saltwater Parrotfish, an unrelated species in the Scaridae family. You should treat the Blood Parrot Cichlid as a Central American Cichlid species, since both parent species come from this area.
How long do redhead fish live?
The result is a freshwater fish that can live up to 15 years if kept healthy.
What is a blood parrot cichlid?
Blood Parrot Cichlids are a unique-looking fish, which is one of main reasons they’re so popular in the aquarium scene. As a hybrid species, it shouldn’t surprise you to know that these fish do have several genetic deformities. That said, these deformities don’t take away from their beauty.
What is the parent species of blood parrot cichlid?
The exact species used to create the Blood Parrot Cichlid are not known. However, many think that the Redhead Cichlid ( Paraneetroplus synspilus) and Midas Cichlid ( Amphilophus citrinellus) are the parent species.
What is the best tank mate for a blood parrot?
The best tank mates for a Blood Parrot Cichlid is more Blood Parrot Cichlids. They do very well in groups and will often exhibit schooling behavior. When kept in these groups, the fish tend to be more confident and less affected by stress. However, Blood Parrot Cichlids also make wonderful community fish!
What level of experience do you need to care for blood parrots?
Generally, Blood Parrot Cichlid care is something that we recommend for aquarists with an intermediate level of experience. This is because they have some unique requirements you’ll need to follow if you want to keep them healthy and thriving.
How big of a tank do you need for a blood parrot?
The minimum tank size for one Blood Parrot Cichlid is 30 gallons. These fish are rather active and need ample room to swim. Author Note: For every additional Blood Parrot Cichlid you add, increase the volume of the tank by about 10 gallons. Of course, larger tanks are always welcome.
What is the shape of a blood parrot?
The shape of the Blood Parrot Cichlid is large and round. They have prominent nuchal humps and smaller rounded heads. The eyes are large and vividly colored as well.
How big is a blood parrot?
The average Blood Parrot Cichlid size is around 8 inches in length for adult males and 6 to 7 inches in length for females. In addition to being shorter, females also have a more round/plump body.

Fish Food Pellets Or Flakes
- There are different types of food for blood parrot cichlids. Some types of pellets drift well while others sink. Pellets are usually produced with natural shade boosters like glucan. Some of the pellets even have a vitamin and mineral formulation for your cichlid. There are advantages to both types of food. Here are some pros and cons of each type.
Natural Ingredients
- The most common type of cichlid is the Red Blood Parrot, which is a gold-orange in colour, with a hint of pink on the back of the head and throat. Red blood parrots can grow up to 10 inches long, but the Purple Blood Parrot has no recognizable purple hue. In the aquarium, they will act aggressively, swim slowly, and dig up substrate. These fish will generally reject expired food an…
Variety
- Ideally, the diet of your blood parrot cichlid should be comprised of a variety of high quality fish foods. You should also provide brine shrimp or blood worms for your pet to eat. Both live and frozen brine shrimp and blood worms provide your pet with essential nutrients. Other suitable food types are sinking pellets and bits. You can experiment w...
Water Conditions
- While there are no known genetic disorders in Blood Parrots, they are susceptible to common fish diseases like swim bladder disease and various viral infections. Fortunately, these disorders are generally the result of poor water conditions, diet, or stress. Even if you have a female Blood Parrot, you should avoid breeding her with other cichlids. The result is typically subpar fry. Liste…
Breeding
- The first step to successfully breeding a blood parrot cichlid is determining the type of food that your koi will eat. You should choose a food that contains high levels of Omega 3 and 6 to support the immune system and promote color enhancement. Breeding blood parrots can be a rewarding endeavor, but there are several things to consider before choosing the best food for your pet.
Genetic Deformities
- While blood parrots are not uncommon, they are not available in most pet stores. This was due to many avid fish lovers’ opposition to selling these creatures. They are known for having numerous deformities and are detrimental to fish’s health. Because of this, many stores boycotted them, though this did not completely eliminate the sale. Some retailers simply cannot resist stocking t…
Feeding
- If you’ve got a new pet blood parrot cichlid, you’ll probably be wondering what foods you should feed them. Blood parrots are omnivores, meaning that they eat a wide variety of foods from the commercial market. You should feed your fish dry formulated cichlid pellets to keep them healthy. It’s also important to remember that blood parrot cichlids don’t eat bloodworms naturally, so the …
Natural Habitat
Appearance and Biology
Size
Lifespan
Behavior
How Many Per gallon?
Tank Setup
Tank Mates
Food and Diet
- Blood parrot cichlids are omnivoresand will eat a variety of foods. Start with a high-quality sinking cichlid pellet. Feed twice dailyand only as much as they can finish in a few minutes. These fish are naturally messy eaters, so remove uneaten food to maintain water quality. Supplement with high-protein foods two to three times a week. Some favori...
Breeding