How Do I Calm Down My Parrot Cichlid?

Parrot cichlids can be especially aggressive and wild toward other fish, including smaller parrot cichlids. Some parrot cichlids lack the ability to defend themselves due to physical abnormalities. These abnormalities are caused by the unnatural breeding of the fish which has resulted in a high degree of physical abnormalities. These fish are bred by man and believed to be either a combination of a red devil and severum, or midas cichlid and red head cichlid fish. To protect the parrot cichlid and other species in the tank, you will want to make sure it remains calm.

Instructions

    • 1

      Put caves, castles and other hiding places among the tank's plant life. The parrot cichlid needs a place to hide or retreat to. This will minimize aggressive behavior, and allow the ones who are being victimized a place to escape from other hostile fish or sea life.

    • 2

      Allow the parrot cichlid a chance to get used to his environment. Sometimes a parrot cichlid will calm down after a few weeks. Give the cichlid time to get used to the tank and other fish.

    • 3

      Separate parrot cichlids into different tanks. Parrot cichlids will be aggressive toward smaller fish. If this is happening, move either the smaller or aggressive fish to another tank. This will calm down the aggressive cichlid and allow the other one a chance to thrive.

    • 4

      Place the parrot cichlid in water temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. The water temperature and pH could affect the comfort level of the cichlid, which could affect his behavior.