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Last update: November 12, 2023

15 Best Blood Parrot Cichlid Tank Mates – FishLab

Easily one of the more interesting freshwater fish you can keep in your home aquarium, blood parrot cichlids are a hybrid fish created in Taiwan back in the 1980s.

A cross between multiple species of cichlids, they are known (and beloved) for their incredibly vivid coloration, friendly disposition, and their generally peaceful demeanor.

Super easy to spot thanks to their brilliant red orange coloring, as well as the distinct shape of their bodies, these fish are the superstar of any aquarium they’ve been put into. They have a large, rounded head with a beaklike mouth – a very parrotlike kind of look.

These fish ethic and muscular bodies, are sort of flattened out with a pointed tail fin, and grow to be medium-sized (at least as far as freshwater aquarium fish are concerned, anyway).

Readily available in most pet stores (and easy to find from online breeders), you won’t have any trouble finding blood parrot cichlid fish to add to your tank. Adaptable to a variety of different water conditions, these fish are easy enough to care for, peaceful enough to have with other fish, and a great addition to any large fresh water tank. So, what are the ideal blood parrot cichlid tank mates?

What to Know about Blood Parrot Cichlid

The unique parrot-like look of these fish separates them from almost any other on the market today, and that’s a big part of why they are so popular.

It definitely doesn’t hurt that these fish also have a peaceful, easy-going kind of demeanor. These fish get along well with a variety of other species (including the 15 options we highlight below) and are generally pretty easy to care for, too.

Let’s get a little deeper into what you need to know to keep blood parrot cichlids.

Temperament

As far as the temperament of blood parrot cichlids goes, you’ll find that these fish are generally quite peaceful and get along well with most any other non aggressive species of fish.

Friendly, personable, and just sort of relaxed, these fish can be really interactive with other fish in the tank – as well as with people they spot outside of the aquarium enclosure.

Every now and again these fish can become slightly aggressive towards other blood parrot cichlids, though. This almost always happens exclusively in the breeding season, but you can mitigate and manage these temperamental issues by giving them plenty of space to themselves in the tank.

Average Size

We mentioned earlier that these cichlids can grow to be medium-sized home aquarium fish, and that means they come in at anywhere between eight and 9 inches (20-22cm) (on average) at maturity. It’s not unusual for these fish to grow even a little bit bigger than that – and it’s not uncommon for them to live for between 10 and 15 years when healthy, either.

Competition

It’s really, really tough to get a blood parrot cichlid to get upset enough to be aggressive for competition towards other species of fish.

The only time you are going to see something like this flareup is when these fish are in the early stages of the breeding season or if there isn’t a lot of food being dropped into the tank for them on a regular basis.

Both of those issues can be managed quite easily, though. Make sure the fish get plenty of food consistently and give them lots of water to move around in – plenty of space to cool down after a flareup – and those competitive issues melt away completely.

Water Parameters ; Tank Setup

A big part of why these fish are so popular with beginner aquarium owners is because they are super tolerant of a variety of different water conditions.

Hardy fish that can thrive in a spectrum of water conditions, these fish do prefer slightly acidic water (with the pH in the middle of 6.5 and 7.5). Water temperatures should be held somewhere between 70°F and 82°F (20-27C).

Good filtration and regular water changes are a must when you are keeping these fish as pets. Shoot for at least 50 gallons (200L) of water for an individual blood parrot cichlid, with another 20 or 30 gallons of water for every other fish you keep in the same aquarium.

You’ll really make these fish happy if you add in structure and hiding places, plants, and provide them with a sandy substrate to dig around in if they venture down to the lower levels of the water column.

The more secure these fish feel the happier and healthier they are going to be!

All in all, keeping these unique fish is really pretty simple and straightforward if you follow along with the tips and tricks we highlighted above. You shouldn’t have a tough time finding tank companions that can tolerate these kinds of aquarium conditions, either.

15 Best Blood Parrot Cichlid Tank Mates

Check out these other similar posts:

1. Silver Dollar 

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  • Scientific name: Metynnis argenteus
  • Average adult size: 6-8 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: South America
  • Compatible with: Bala Shark, Angelfish, Swordtail

These fish are excellent companions for blood parrot cichlid fish, especially since they enjoy the same kind of slightly acidic water conditions. They have friendly and easy-going personalities and are just about the same size, too.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  • Peaceful, large enough to be left alone

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  • Non really, but they will get as big as the blood parrots so keep this in mind.

2. Clown Loach 

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  • Scientific name: Chromobotia macracanthus
  • Average adult size: 8-12 inches
  • Level of care: Moderate
  • Place of origin: Indonesia
  • Compatible with: Bristlenose Pleco, Rainbow Shark, Kuhli Loach

If you want more active and playful companions for your blood parrot cichlids, think about adding some clown loaches into the mix. Have the perfect personality to play off of the sometimes aggressive nature of your cichlids.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  • Active, keep snail populations down

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Grow large, sensitive to water changes

3. Bristlenose Pleco 

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  • Scientific name: Ancistrus sp.
  • Average adult size: 4-6 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: South America
  • Compatible with: Corydoras Catfish, Neon Tetra, Discus

Very hardy and almost armored fish that can withstand any of the infrequently aggressive behavior of your cichlids, you’ll love mixing a couple of these fish into your aquarium. They help to keep algae levels down and your tank clean, too.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Eat algae, easy to care for

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Sometimes territorial

4. Corydoras Catfish 

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  • Scientific name: Corydoras sp.
  • Average adult size: 2-3 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: South America
  • Compatible with: Bristlenose Pleco, Harlequin Rasbora, Dwarf Gourami

These tiny little catfish are bottom dwelling aquarium creatures that enjoy the same kind of warm waters that cichlids like. They’ll help to keep your tank clean as well.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Peaceful, social

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Sensitive to water changes

5. Rainbow Shark 

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  • Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
  • Average adult size: 6 inches
  • Level of care: Moderate
  • Place of origin: Thailand
  • Compatible with: Harlequin Rasbora, Bristlenose Pleco, Black Skirt Tetra

These fish can sometimes get a little territorial, but that only serves to keep the sometimes aggressive nature of blood parrot cichlids in check. That works to sort of balance everything out. You don’t have anything to worry about adding them into the mix.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Hardy, can tolerate different water conditions

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Sometimes aggressive

6. Bolivian Ram 

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  • Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
  • Average adult size: 3-4 inches
  • Level of care: Moderate
  • Place of origin: Bolivia
  • Compatible with: German Blue Ram, Kribensis Cichlid, Neon Tetra

These fish are peaceful, colorful, and enjoy the exact same kind of warm water conditions that cichlids excel in.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  • Relaxed, easy going, hardy

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Aggressive during the breeding season
  • They do better in warmer water temperatures that the blood parrots can handle well to, but other tank mates may not do as well at higher temps.

7. German Blue Ram 

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  • Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
  • Average adult size: 2-3 inches
  • Level of care: Moderate
  • Place of origin: South America
  • Compatible with: Bolivian Ram, Corydoras Catfish, Cardinal Tetra

Super relaxed fish, you won’t ever have to worry about fights bubbling up when you have these kinds of fish in the same aquarium as your blood parrots.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  • Peaceful and social, easy to care for

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Prickly during breeding season, sometimes aggressive
  • They do better in warmer water temperatures that the blood parrots can handle well to, but other tank mates may not do as well at higher temps.

8. Gourami 

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  • Scientific name: Trichogaster sp.
  • Average adult size: 3-4 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: Southeast Asia
  • Compatible with: Cherry Barb, Swordtail, Bristlenose Pleco

One of the best reasons to keep these fish in the same aquarium with your blood parrot cichlids is because they are quick enough to dart out of trouble if your cichlids start to get a little antsy. They don’t take up much space, either, but also add a lot of color and interest to your tank.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Beautiful, full of personality, hardy

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Can compete with blood parrots for hiding spots

9. Swordtail 

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  • Scientific name: Xiphophorus hellerii
  • Average adult size: 4-5 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: Central America
  • Compatible with: Gourami, Black Skirt Tetra, Bristlenose Pleco

Peaceful, easy-going, and still packed with plenty of personality, these fish love the warm waters that cichlids enjoy.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Hardy, easy to care for, fast

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Prone to disease

10. Platies 

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  • Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus
  • Average adult size: 2-3 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: Central America
  • Compatible with: Harlequin Rasbora, Angelfish, Corydoras Catfish

Relaxed but still full of personality, you’ll have a ton of time watching your larger blood parrot cichlids chase these tiny little fish around your tank every now and again. They make great companion fish!

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Can tolerate a variety of water conditions

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  May compete with blood parrots over food

11. Angelfish 

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  • Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
  • Average adult size: 6 inches
  • Level of care: Moderate
  • Place of origin: South America
  • Compatible with: Swordtail, Bolivian Ram, Neon Tetra

These fish have a really unique kind of look that complements the totally different, but just as unique look of the blood parrot cichlids you have in your aquarium. They like the same kind of water conditions, the same kind of water temperatures, and don’t require a ton of special care.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  • Fast swimmers, beautiful

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Sometimes territorial, can get aggressive when nipped and especially if a couple pairs off and go into breeding mode.

12. Black Skirt Tetra 

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  • Scientific name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
  • Average adult size: 2-3 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: South America
  • Compatible with: Rainbow Shark, Swordtail, Bristlenose Pleco

These hardy fish can stand up to any of the aggression the much larger cichlids might decide to dish out every now and again, but they never get bent out of shape over it. They’ll flip around and still stay friends with those bigger fish when they come down.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Active swimmers, add movement to your tank

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Sometimes nip fins, require lots of space to zoom around in

13. Harlequin Rasbora 

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  • Scientific name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
  • Average adult size: 1-2 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: Southeast Asia
  • Compatible with: Corydoras Catfish, Bolivian Ram, Cherry Barb

Colorful, packed with personality, and capable of escaping from blood parrot cichlids that get aggressive during breeding season, these fish are resilient, easy to care for, and do well in the same kind of water conditions.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Peaceful and friendly, tolerable of different water conditions

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Somewhat prone to disease and illness

14. Cherry Barb 

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  • Scientific name: Puntius titteya
  • Average adult size: 2 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: Sri Lanka
  • Compatible with: Gourami, Swordtail, Harlequin Rasbora

You’ll have a tough time finding fish that like the exact same kind of water temperature range and pH levels that cichlids enjoy. Cherry barbs do really well in those same underwater environments, and have a personality to get along with those bigger fish, too.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Beautiful, fun to watch, fast

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Will compete for hiding spots in structure and caves

15. Kribensis Cichlid 

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  • Scientific name: Pelvicachromis pulcher
  • Average adult size: 4 inches
  • Level of care: Easy
  • Place of origin: West Africa
  • Compatible with: Bolivian Ram, Rainbow Shark, Bristlenose Pleco

Gentle, colorful, and really easy-going you don’t have to worry about any fights breaking out when you have these fish mixed in with other cichlids – including the blood parrot variety.

Pros of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  •  Very friendly and easy going

Cons of keeping with blood parrot cichlid

  • May uproot water plants when establishing their territory

Summary

Finding companion fish for blood parrot cichlids really isn’t as challenging as a lot of people make it out to be.

In fact, when you arm yourself with the inside information and recommendations we highlighted above you’ll find the process really simple and straightforward.

Choose any of the companions – or all of the companions – we broke down in this quick guide and you’ll have a happy, personality packed aquarium filled with all different kinds of fish that just sort of mesh well with one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do blood parrot cichlids eat, and how often should they be fed?

As omnivores, these fish will eat a whole range of different kinds of food – including commercially available flakes and pellets as well as frozen or live food options. You do want to be careful not to overfeed your cichlids, though. That can cause serious health issues.

Can blood parrot cichlids be kept with other fish?

Yes, there’s no reason you can’t keep your cichlids in with other species of fish. It’s a good idea to keep them away from territorial or aggressive fish, though. That’ll avoid fights – especially during breeding season.

What is the ideal tank size for blood parrot cichlids?

Blood parrot cichlids are going to need at least 50 gallons of water to feel completely comfortable – and that’s for a single fish. Every other fish you add into the enclosure will require another 20-30 gallons just to sort of “keep the peace”. As usual, the bigger the enclosure and aquarium the happier your fish will be.

What are some common health issues that blood parrot cichlids may experience?

One of the challenges in keeping blood parrot cichlids is that they can be susceptible to a variety of different health issues. This is why it’s so important to keep their environment clean, keep conditions stable, and feed them a high quality diet.

Can blood parrot cichlids be kept in a community tank with other cichlids?

As a general rule of thumb, you’re not going to have any trouble keeping your blood parrot cichlids in with other species of cichlid – so long as you are a little on the careful side of things when breeding season rolls around. Keep these fish in large, spacious tanks with plenty of water and hiding spots and you’ll have nothing to worry about

David Kusner

Veteran fish keeper and keen hobbyist with a serious case of MTS. My midlife crisis was the establishment of a fish room, much to my wife's horror. Little does she know it could be worse!!

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