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
• 🐟 Give your fish the best with the same high-quality nutrition we use every day! 🐟 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein-rich and vegetable-based fish foods to keep our plecos, cichlids, and other tropical fish healthy, active, and thriving. These premium fish foods are specially formulated to enhance natural color, promote strong growth, and support long-term health—making them a trusted choice for aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
  • Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
  • Fluval Bug Bites Tropical
  • Hikari Massivore Delight
  • Hikari Massivore Delight
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📋 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.