Though long thought to be a hybrid between two cichlid species, the fish known commonly as “Parrot Cichlids”, “Blood Parrots”, or “King Kong Parrots” are cultivated deformities of the cichlid Amphilophus citrinellus, commonly known as the Midas Cichlid. These fish have short, squat bodies and their mouths do not close completely. Parrots are bred to produce their unique body shape in much the same way goldfish are bred to produce the varieties like Oranda’s and Ryukin’s.

Just as Parrots are selectively bred for their body shape, they can also be bred for color. The “normal” colors can range from white or yellow to orange (the true “Blood Parrots” to deep red (often referred to as “purple”). Some black mottling can also occur. Some variations in body shape can also produce Parrots with a “lumpier” body as seen in the “King Kong Parrots” or tail-less fish as in the “Heart Parrots”. Panda Parrots have a patchy panda-like black and white pattern. The pattern and coloration in these fish is highly variable and the fish you receive will have a different pattern than the representative shown here. Color and patterns on any Parrots may change over time.

As cichlids, Parrots may become territorial when established though they are generally far less aggressive than the natural Midas Cichlid. Their body shape makes them less mobile and aggressive and the Parrots should not be kept with very aggressive tankmates or with very small or docile tankmates and may prey on some invertebrates like shrimp. Suitable tankmates would be fish with a similar temperament like Geophagus, Severums, catfish and similar fish. They can be fed a varied diet of pellets and frozen foods and formulas.