The Blood Parrot Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus & Vieja melanurus) is a hybrid freshwater fish known for its bright orange color and distinctive round body. This fish results from breeding different cichlid species, mainly the Midas Cichlid and the Redhead Cichlid. Aquarists love them for their eye-catching looks and lively behavior.
Key Features
- Size: They can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
- Lifespan: With good care, they can live between 10 to 15 years.
- Temperament: Generally friendly, but they can get a bit territorial during breeding.
- Color: Mostly bright orange, but you might also find them in yellow, red, or other dyed colors.
Tank Needs
- Tank Size:
Minimum: 30 gallons for one fish.
For a community tank: 55 gallons or more. - Water Conditions:
Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C).
pH: 6.5-7.5.
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
Filtration: Strong filtration is a must since Blood Parrots are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste.
Substrate: Use sand or smooth gravel to keep their mouths safe. - Tank Setup:
Add caves, rocks, and plants for hiding spots.
Make sure the decor is sturdy; these fish like to rearrange things. - Lighting:Moderate lighting to create a natural vibe.
Feeding
- Diet: They are omnivores.
- Food Options:
High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes should be the main food.
You can also give them frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Occasionally, fresh veggies like blanched spinach or zucchini are a good treat. - Feeding Frequency: Offer 2-3 small meals daily to avoid overfeeding and keep the water clean.
Behavior and Tankmates
- Blood Parrots are mostly peaceful but can be territorial during breeding.
- They do well with other medium-sized, non-aggressive fish.
- Good Tankmates:
Corydoras catfish.
Plecos like the Bristlenose.
Peaceful cichlids such as Severums or Angelfish.
Tetras, as long as they’re not too small.
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