Here’s a straight-to-the-point care guide for Hoplarchus psittacus, also known as the Parrot Cichlid (not to be confused with the hybrid blood parrot cichlid). This is a large, powerful species from South America that needs serious space and stable conditions.
Hoplarchus psittacus Care Guide
Common Name: Parrot Cichlid
Scientific Name: Hoplarchus psittacus
Origin: Orinoco and Amazon River Basins
Size: 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Territorial, semi-aggressive
Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons for an adult pair
-
Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
-
Decor: Driftwood, caves, large rocks—make sure everything is stable (they can move things)
-
Plants: Optional—use only hardy, well-rooted plants or floating types
-
Lighting: Moderate
Water Parameters
-
Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C)
-
pH: 5.5–7.0 (they prefer slightly acidic)
-
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
-
Filtration: Strong and efficient—these fish are messy
-
Water Changes: 40–50% weekly, minimum
Diet
-
Feeding Style: Omnivore with a carnivorous lean
-
Staple Foods:
-
High-quality cichlid pellets
-
Frozen or live foods (earthworms, shrimp, bloodworms, krill)
-
Occasional greens or spirulina
-
-
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily
-
Note: Don’t overfeed—these fish are prone to bloating
Behavior & Tankmates
-
Social Behavior: Territorial, especially when breeding
-
Tankmates:
-
Large, robust cichlids (Severums, Uaru, large Geophagus)
-
Big catfish (Synodontis, Plecos)
-
-
Avoid: Small fish, anything too passive or too aggressive
-
Best Setup: Either a species-only tank or a South American cichlid community with lots of space
Breeding
-
Breeding Type: Substrate spawner
-
Pairing: Forms monogamous pairs
-
Spawning Site: Flat rock or cleaned surface
-
Fry Care: Parents usually guard eggs and fry, but aggression can spike—have a plan
-
Fry Food: Baby brine shrimp, crushed flakes
Care Tips
-
These fish are sensitive to poor water quality—don’t slack on maintenance
-
They need space—crowded tanks lead to stress and aggression
-
Keep a close eye on tank dynamics if housed with other large cichlids
-
Stable conditions = happy fish. Sudden changes = health risks
Let me know if you want a visual version of this or a care sheet you can print or share.
