🔹 Species Overview
 
 
Scientific name: Hoplarchus psittacus
Common names: True Parrot Cichlid, Psittacus Cichlid
Origin: Amazon Basin (Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia)
Adult size: 25–35 cm (10–14 in)
Lifespan: 10–15 years with good care
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive (territorial, especially when breeding)
Difficulty: Moderate to advanced (requires large tank & good water quality)
 
 
 
 
 
🔹 Tank Requirements
 
 
Minimum tank size:
Single adult: 350 L (90 gal)
Pair or community: 500–750 L (120–200 gal)
 
Tank setup:
Sand or fine gravel substrate
Driftwood, large rocks, and sturdy hiding spots
Open swimming space (they are large, powerful fish)
Plants are often uprooted or destroyed, so stick to hardy or artificial ones
 
 
 
 
 
 
🔹 Water Parameters
 
 
Temperature: 25–30°C (77–86°F)
pH: 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic preferred)
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
Filtration: Strong external or sump system – they produce a lot of waste
Maintenance: Weekly water changes (30–40%) are essential
 
 
 
 
 
🔹 Diet
 
 
Wild diet: Omnivore – eats fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small fish
In captivity:
High-quality cichlid pellets (staple)
Frozen/thawed foods (krill, shrimp, bloodworm, mussel)
Fresh vegetables (peas, spinach, zucchini)
Occasional live foods (earthworms, insects)
Avoid fatty meats (e.g., beef heart) as they cause health issues
 
 
 
 
 
 
🔹 Tankmates
 
 
Best kept alone or in a species tank
Can be housed with other large, robust South American cichlids (e.g., Crenicichla, Oscars, Geophagus) in very large aquariums
Avoid small or delicate fish (they will be eaten or bullied)
 
 
 
 
 
🔹 Breeding
 
 
Form monogamous pairs
Territorial and aggressive when breeding
Lay eggs on flat rocks or in caves
Both parents guard eggs and fry fiercely
Breeding in captivity is possible but uncommon due to space and aggression needs
 
 
 
 
 
🔹 Notes
 
 
True Parrot Cichlids are rare in the hobby and often expensive.
They grow very large, so they’re only suitable for experienced keepers with big aquariums.
Do not confuse with Blood Parrot Cichlids (a hybrid), which are much smaller