What size tank do Parrot cichlids need?

30 gallons
Tank Size. 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.

How big does a parrot cichlid get?

8 inches
Adult fish can grow to a length of 8 inches (20 centimeters) and reach an age of 10 to 15 years. Various breeds of blood parrots have been developed, such as the “King Kong parrot”, which typically vary in color from red to yellow. They have fully functioning mouths with less of a nuchal deformity and grow larger.

How big do Aquarium parrot fish get?

Adult Parrot fish can reach 10 inches. Most males though will average 7-8 inches and females a bit smaller averaging around 6-7 inches. You should make sure they have ample swimming areas with clay pots or caves. Rocks and driftwood would complete a comfortable tank set up as they love to have places to hide.

Can you put cichlids with parrot fish?

African Cichlids Specifically African river cichlids do well with blood parrots. As long as the African cichlids are roughly the same size and aggression level as the blood parrots the fish should be compatible.

Can parrot fish live with Oscars?

yes for sure . I had kept them in past. As long as you feed them enough they do not trouble each other. These fish are territorial hence one thing you need to make sure there should be enough spaces to hide from each other.

Are parrot cichlids aggressive?

They will also interact with other fish in the tank, and each other, and can display interesting behavior. While the red devil has been suggested in their genetic history, they do not display the aggression typical of this species. Parrots are actually quite peaceful, though individuals may spar a bit with each other.

How long do parrot cichlid fish live?

between 5 and 15 years
The parrot cichlid has an average life span between 5 and 15 years, depending on the overall care. When housing a parrot cichlid, make sure there is plenty of space for each fish; a minimum of a 42 gallon aquarium for two to three fish will be sufficient space for plenty of hiding places to reduce stress.

What fish can live with a large parrot fish?

Blood parrots should not be kept with aggressive fish, as they are not well equipped to compete for food or turf in the aquarium. Owners have kept them successfully in community tanks with a variety of peaceful fish. Mid-sized tetras, danios, angelfish, and catfish are all good possible tankmates.

Can I put parrot fish with Oscars?

Why do parrot fish move the gravel?

Fish move gravel or rocks that will fit in their mouths in order to check for food or algae growing on the rocks, to create a spawning nest or by accidentally swimming into it.

What can I put with Parrot Cichlids?

Tankmates. Blood parrots should not be kept with aggressive fish, as they are not well equipped to compete for food or turf in the aquarium. Owners have kept them successfully in community tanks with a variety of peaceful fish. Mid-sized tetras, danios, angelfish, and catfish are all good possible tankmates.

Why is my parrot fish digging sand?

Function. Fish move gravel or rocks that will fit in their mouths in order to check for food or algae growing on the rocks, to create a spawning nest or by accidentally swimming into it.

How much sand is parrot fish poop?

Two researchers working in the Maldives found that the 28-inch steephead parrotfish can produce a whopping 900 pounds of sand per year!!! When you consider these larger amounts, it is easy to understand how scientists estimate that more than 80% of the sand around tropical coral reefs is parrotfish poop!

Will parrot fish bite you?

A quick review of interesting research on living things from the last month. What makes parrotfish teeth strong enough to bite coral? Parrotfish teeth are among the hardest biological minerals and for good reason. They have two types of teeth – the beak to bite the coral and pharyngeal set to grind it to sand.


As a golden rule, the first cichlid requires 30 gallons. Any additional Blood Parrot requires a tank size increase by up to 10 gallons. 3 – This makes for more than a 10-gallon boost, but it doesn’t really matter. The extra 5 gallons should rather go into extra swimming space than an additional Blood Parrot.

How many parrot cichlids can I put in a 30 gallon tank?

one blood parrot
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.

Can I put parrot fish with cichlids?

Specifically African river cichlids do well with blood parrots. As long as the African cichlids are roughly the same size and aggression level as the blood parrots the fish should be compatible.

Do Parrot cichlids need to be in pairs?

Conclusion. Blood Parrots do well solo, in pairs, and even in community setups. It all comes down to providing your cichlids with the ideal environmental setup and some compatible tank mates.

Can I keep 2 Blood Parrot?

How many Blood Red Parrot Cichlids in 30 gallon tank? If you are starting with a 30-gallons tank, we’d recommend keeping one in it. However, if you plan to keep at least two, increase the tank size by 10-gallons more, and you should be set.

How many gallons do 2 blood parrots need?

Blood parrots can grow up to 10 inches long. And it’s not just the length, they are an extremely thick-bodied fish. Like any big fish, they put off a lot of waste. For this reason, I really recommend that you keep them in at least a 55 gallon (208 liter) tank, especially if you want to add other fish.

Can I keep 2 blood parrot?

Which fish can stay with parrot fish?

What fish can u put in with parrot fish?

Tankmates for parrot cichlids
Parrot cichlids are capable of eating small tropical fish like Neon tetras, so instead choose large-bodied but placid fish as tank mates like Angelfish, Gourami, Silver Dollars and if your tank is large enough, Silver sharks.

Do parrot fish dig holes?

WHY IS YOUR BLOOD PARROT CICHLID DIGGING? – YouTube

Can parrot fish live without air pump?

A short answer is something like this: Fish can survive about two days without an air pump in completely still water. However, with the right kind of filter producing lots of surface water movement, an air stone may not be required at all.

Why is my parrot fish digging a hole?

How many times should I feed parrot fish?

One can feed two or three times a day, on fixed timings, taking care not to overfeed. A good thumb rule to follow is that amount of food your fish can eat in 3-4 minutes is also the right dosage. Apart from the food, the type of tank mates a Parrot Fish should have is also important to consider.

Does parrot fish need a heater?

Heater. You will most definitely need to install an aquarium heater if you keep this species. They need water temperatures of 76°-80°F (24°-27°C).

What can I put with a parrot cichlid?

Here are some good Blood Parrot Cichlid tank mates to consider:

  • Yoyo Loach.
  • Emperor Tetra.
  • Honey Gourami.
  • Silver Dollar Fish.
  • Firemouth Cichlid.
  • Tiger Barb.
  • Many Types Of Plecos.
  • Clown Pleco.

How fast do parrot cichlids grow?

The cichlid will most likely reach its maximum size (8-10 inches) within 6 to 8 years on average. So, the cichlid will pretty much grow at a nearly indistinguishable rate past its first 1-2 years of life.

about 7 to 8 inches
Adult fish grow to a length of about 7 to 8 inches (20 cm) and may reach an age of 10 to 15 years. Males are slightly larger than females. These hybrids are easily recognized by their unique features—a round body and a beak-like head with large eyes.

Why is my cichlid moving the gravel?

Cichlids often move around the rocks in a fish tank because they are trying to hide from the bigger, meaner fish that are chasing them. Male cichlids stake out territories, and once they have their favorite area they will chase all other fish away.

How can I oxygenate my water without a pump?

Simply fill a pitcher or cup with the aquarium water, lift it up nice and high, and pour the water back in. The water will pick up oxygen on the way down to the tank, thus inserting oxygen right into the water. The higher up you pour the water from, the more oxygen it picks up along the way.

Can fish sleep with the air pump on?

Generally, fish should be able to sleep without being bothered by bubbles or water agitation created by air pumps. Besides, if you want, you can turn off your air pump at night, but make sure the filter continues to run, so it fulfills the required aeration in the aquarium.

Do parrot fish bite you?

Using their powerful beaks, parrotfish can munch on coral at an astonishing rate of 20 bites per minute.

How can I make my parrot fish happy?

Blood Parrot Fish Care & Information – How to Keep Parrot Cichlid Fish

Does parrot fish poop sand?

The bumphead parrotfish excretes white sand, which it may produce at the rate of several hundred pounds a year!

How old is a 3 inch cichlid?

Bolivian ram cichlids, for example, can sprout up to 3 inches in their first two months of life. Their growth then levels off until they reach their full 6-inch length at about 10 months old. Oscars are one of the fastest-growing cichlids, growing an average of an inch a month for the first 10 or so months of life.