Setting Up an Aquarium for Blood Parrot Cichlids

As with all pet fish, the blood parrot cichlid requires specific features in its home aquarium to live a healthy, full life and delight its owners for years to come. Blood parrot cichlids are also known as red blood parrots, red parrot cichlids or red parrot fish. The best way to set up a new tank is to make a checklist of the things you definitely need to make your cichlids' habitat as healthy as possible.

  1. About Blood Parrots

    • Blood parrot cichlids look quite a bit different than your typical pet-store variety cichlid, although some features are shared. Blood parrot cichlids get their name from their rounded, beaklike heads and mouths that resemble those of parrotfish and, of course, avian parrots. Sadly, the blood parrot is prone to several diseases, and it stresses more easily than many other cichlids. This is due to the blood parrot's genetics, little of which is known because the two parent species are debated. Blood parrot cichlids' signature look -- their curved face and spine -- are actually abnormalities. Their creation is often brought up in ethical debate, as are the many cosmetic procedures being performed to make them appeal to children and inexperienced people. Dyeing the fish multiple colors is becoming increasingly common, although it greatly shortens a blood parrot's lifespan. Cutting the tail so the fish resembles a heart is also growing in popularity. Both of these procedures damage the fish and its quality of life.

    Tank

    • Don't plan on housing blood parrot cichlids in an aquarium smaller than 30 gallons. Some experts even put the minimum tank size at 50 gallons. As with other fish, however, the larger the tank the better, as it gives the fish more room to swim and live, thus decreasing the stress from living within a tank.

    Filtration, Temperature and Other Factors

    • Because blood parrots stress more easily than other cichlids and are highly susceptible to low water quality, their tank must have excellent filtration. The temperature should be constantly between 76 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, although 82 to 84 degrees is the most ideal temperature range. Keep the pH levels within your tank between 6.5 and 8.0. Within the tank, ensure there are a few hiding places for your blood parrot.

    General Care

    • Blood parrots are shy and reclusive, although they are a bit more docile than many other types of cichlids. If you plan on keeping other fish in the tank, make sure they are peaceful fish that are the same size as or larger than your blood parrot. Because of their unable-to-close mouths, small pellet foods are ideal, with the occasional bloodworms or shrimp treats thrown in. Throw in some shelled peas at least once a week to promote health and discourage swim bladder problems.