Blood Parrot Cichlid Care Guide
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a popular and distinctive freshwater fish in the UK, known for its bright orange colour, rounded body, and unique beak-like mouth. Its unusual appearance and personality make it a standout centrepiece fish.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Blood Parrot Cichlid care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Blood Parrot Cichlids
Blood Parrot Cichlids are hybrid fish, originally developed by crossing different Central American cichlid species. Their exact origins are debated, but they are widely bred and available in the aquarium trade.
They are intelligent, interactive, and can recognise their owners.
Hybrid (exact lineage unknown)
15-20 cm
Man-made (aquarium hybrid)
150L (40gal)
10-15 years
Semi-aggressive, territorial
24-28°C
Omnivore (pellets, frozen, live foods)
6.5-7.5
£10-£30 per fish
How Many Blood Parrot Cichlids Should You Keep?
Blood Parrot Cichlids can be kept singly or in groups, depending on tank size.
- A single fish works well as a centrepiece
- Small groups can be kept in larger tanks
- Monitor behaviour closely when keeping multiple fish
Keeping too many in a small tank can lead to:
- Aggression and territorial disputes
- Stress and hiding behaviour
- Injury
They benefit from space and defined territories.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Blood Parrot Cichlids
Providing a structured and stable environment helps keep them healthy and reduces aggression.
- Tank Setup: Spacious tank with open swimming areas and hiding spots
- Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
- Plants & Decor: Use rocks, caves, and driftwood to create territories
- Water Conditions: Stable, slightly acidic to neutral water
- Filtration & Flow: Strong filtration with moderate flow
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable
They enjoy rearranging substrate and decor.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Blood Parrot Cichlids can be kept in community setups with care.
- Good Tankmates: larger peaceful fish such as severums, silver dollars, larger tetras, and some catfish
- Avoid: small fish (may be eaten), aggressive cichlids, and fin-nippers
Their semi-aggressive nature means compatibility must be carefully managed.
Are Blood Parrot Cichlids Easy to Care For?
Blood Parrot Cichlids are moderately easy to care for and suitable for aquarists with some experience.
They require:
- A sufficiently large tank
- Stable water conditions
- Careful tankmate selection
- Regular maintenance
They are hardy but need space and monitoring.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Price in the UK
In the UK, Blood Parrot Cichlids typically cost between £10-£30 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and colour intensity
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
They are widely available and popular.
Where to Buy Blood Parrot Cichlids in the UK
Blood Parrot Cichlids are available in many UK aquarium shops and from private sellers.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Improve survival rates
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Blood Parrot Cichlids?
Yes - Blood Parrot Cichlids are often sold or rehomed by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Helps find suitable homes
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Blood Parrot Cichlids
Blood Parrot Cichlids are omnivorous and require a varied diet.
Key Tips:
- Feed high-quality cichlid pellets
- Supplement with frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Offer occasional vegetables
- Choose foods that are easy to pick up due to their mouth shape
Their beak-like mouth can make feeding slightly different from other fish.
Common Problems with Blood Parrot Cichlids
Aggression or territorial behaviour, often caused by:
- Small tank size
- Poor tankmate selection
Feeding difficulties, due to:
- Their unique mouth shape
Swim bladder issues, linked to:
- Poor diet
- Overfeeding
Why Blood Parrot Cichlids Are So Popular
- Bright orange colouration
- Unique and unusual appearance
- Interactive and intelligent behaviour
- Great centrepiece fish
- Widely available and hardy
When kept correctly, Blood Parrot Cichlids are engaging and characterful additions to a larger aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are semi-aggressive but can be peaceful in the right setup.
Yes, with carefully chosen tankmates.
It is a result of selective breeding and hybridisation.
At least 150 litres, with more space for multiple fish.
Looking to Buy or Sell Blood Parrot Cichlids Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're stocking your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.