True Parrot Cichlid - (Hoplarchus psittacus)

🐟 True Parrot Cichlid – (Hoplarchus psittacus) – Rare and Powerful Wild South American Cichlid

The True Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus) is a large, rare, and highly sought-after wild South American cichlid native to the Rio Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. Unlike the man-made hybrid “blood parrot cichlid,” this is a true species found in nature, renowned for its robust build, metallic blue-green sheen, and unique parrot-like head shape. Known for its strength, intelligence, and territorial nature, the True Parrot Cichlid is considered one of the most impressive and prestigious fish in the hobby.

🔎 Quick Facts – True Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus)

• 📛 Common Name: True Parrot Cichlid
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Hoplarchus psittacus
• 🌍 Origin: Orinoco and Rio Negro Basins – Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil
• 🎨 Appearance: Stocky, deep-bodied fish with metallic blue-green scales and a parrot-like head profile
• 📏 Max Size: 12–14 inches (30–36 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Very rare; prized among serious cichlid collectors

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚔️ Highly territorial and aggressive, especially when breeding
• 🐟 Best kept with other large, equally robust cichlids
• 🧠 Intelligent and responsive to keepers

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons for a pair
• 🪵 Large driftwood, rockwork, and caves for territory and shelter
• 🌊 Strong filtration for heavy waste output
• 💡 Moderate lighting to bring out iridescent colors

💧 Water Parameters – True Parrot Cichlid Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 77–86°F (25–30°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 5.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🐟 High-quality cichlid pellets and sticks
• 🦐 Frozen shrimp, krill, and bloodworms
• 🌿 Vegetable matter such as peas, zucchini, and spirulina

📋 True Parrot Cichlid Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The True Parrot Cichlid is a wild-caught South American giant with a powerful build, vivid coloration, and commanding presence — a true collector’s prize for serious cichlid enthusiasts.