Parrot Fish

Species Profile: Parrot Fish

• Scientific Name: Amphilophus citrinellus x Paraneetroplus synspilus
• Common Name: Yellow Parrot Fish (often referred to as Blood Parrot Cichlid, yellow morph)
• Adult Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 10–15 years
• Habitat: Not found in the wild (hybrid species), but based on parental lineage, they prefer warm freshwater with moderate current and hiding spots.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (larger if keeping more than one)
• Ideal Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• pH Range: 6.5 – 7.8
• Water Hardness: 6 – 18 dGH
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; can be territorial, especially during breeding. Best kept with other robust or semi-aggressive species of similar size. Avoid housing with small or very passive fish.

Diet & Nutrition

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: High-quality pellets formulated for cichlids, bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, chopped vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and occasional live or frozen foods
• Feeding Tips: Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Breeding & Spawning

• Breeding Difficulty: Difficult (most are sterile hybrids, but some individuals can breed)
• Spawning Type: Egg layers
• Breeding Behavior: They may show pairing and spawning behavior, clean a surface, and lay eggs, but eggs often fail to fertilize due to hybrid sterility. If successful, fry should be separated early due to possible aggression.
• Note: Breeding is unpredictable due to their hybrid nature.

Appearance

• Coloration: Vibrant yellow-orange body, with rounded shape and beak-like mouth
• Body Shape: Rounded, balloon-like body with a small mouth and large expressive eyes
• Fins: Flowing dorsal and caudal fins; often held high in a proud, graceful posture

Distinctive Features

• Hybrid of two Central American cichlids
• Iconic beak-shaped mouth with limited ability to fully close (creates a “smiling” appearance)
• Bright yellow coloration with a chunky, rounded body
• Social, intelligent, and interactive with keepers
• Can recognize owners and "beg" for food at the glass