What size tank does a blood parrot cichlid need?
At least 55 gallons (208 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 55 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Hybrid cichlid.
How many blood parrot cichlids in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if blood parrot cichlids are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many blood parrot cichlids |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | Too small |
| 55 gallon | 1 |
| 75 gallon | 1 |
| 125 gallon | up to 2 |
Check blood parrot cichlids against your own tank and other fish
Tank mates for blood parrot cichlids
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Siamese algae eater
- Pearl gourami
- Giant danio
- Pictus catfish
- Sterba's corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Kuhli loach
- Dwarf chain loach
Poor matches
- Guppy: Blood parrot cichlid (about 8 in) can eat guppy (about 2 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and much bigger. Blood parrot cichlid would be bullied.
- Molly: They need different water: Blood parrot cichlid likes a pH of 6.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank does a blood parrot cichlid need?
At least 55 gallons (208 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 55 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many blood parrot cichlids should be kept together?
One is fine. A blood parrot cichlid does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.
Can blood parrot cichlids live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Blood parrot cichlid needs at least 55 gallons (208 liters), and grows to 8 in (20 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do blood parrot cichlids need?
75–82 °F (24–28 °C), with a pH of 6.5–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can blood parrot cichlids live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 55 gallons (208 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.