So you want to include other fish in the tank with your Blood Parrot; but which species are compatible that will make good tankmates?
Compatibility is an important consideration, as some fish will be ill-suited as blood parrot cichlid tank mates. We will discuss what to look for and how to avoid the most common issues many owners make.
Included below are some specific tankmate examples that will work great with your blood parrot. Plus answers to some of the common questions we have been asked over the years when discussing compatibility with a blood parrot fish.
A Bit About Your Blood Parrot
The Blood Parrot is a hybrid cichlid that hails from Taiwan and was first bred in the 1980s. While the Blood Red Parrot is believed to be a cross between the Midas and Redhead Cichlid, this cannot be confirmed definitively.
A few of the characteristics of the Blood Parrot will help you determine parrot fish compatibility in your aquarium. Keep in mind that they are shy and will require hiding spaces to get away from the Parrot Fish tankmates you have selected.
Due to the shape of their mouth and their incredible appetite, Blood Parrot Cichlid tank mates must be compatible with a high filtration tank in order to keep the water column clean.
We also recommend that you maintain your Blood Parrot tank water with a ph level between 6.5 and 7.4, and so, tankmates should be selected that can thrive in these conditions. Learning how to control the aquarium ph will provide your Blood Parrot and their tankmates will allow them to grow and stay healthy while in your care.
Your Blood Parrot will grow between six and eight inches in length as an adult and any compatible tankmates should be of similar size.
We have found that a tank size of 30-gallons for a single Blood Parrot is minimal, adding 10-gallons for each additional tank mate. Blood Parrot tank mates may have schooling requirements that should be kept in mind when selecting the final size of your aquarium.
Freshwater Parrot Fish Compatibility
When it comes to determining Blood Parrot Cichlid tank mates you need to keep in mind that nothing is absolute. Even under the best of circumstances, your pet Blood Parrot may become stressed and territorial.
Remember to observe your Parrot Cichlid and their compatible tankmates to make sure that everyone is getting along or to correct potential issues that may arise when mixing them.
What fish are compatible with Blood Parrot Cichlid?
Other Blood Parrot fish
As Blood Parrots will school in an aquarium, other Parrot Fish make excellent potential tankmates for blood parrot cichlids. As long as each fish is given ample areas to hide when they feel like it, there should be little compatibility issues between them.
Oscars
Often considered poor tank mates for most fish, Oscars can actually make decent tankmates for blood parrot cichlids.
The Blood Parrot is compatible as they are another cichlid, like the Oscar, and can hold their own. At the same time, the Blood Red Parrot is passive enough to not stress an Oscar and will give it space in the fish tank.
Other Cichlids
Another group of potential tankmates is other peaceful Cichlid species. It is important to look for less aggressive types, such as Fire Mouth Cichlids or the Flag species. They can grow to a comparable size but are not overly aggressive tank mates that will stress your Blood Parrot.
Golden Severum
When it comes to potential tank mates that are compatible, the Severum is a good choice. Their disposition and size match the requirements for Blood Parrot neighbors.
The only time this species may become a bit aggressive is during mating periods, but this should not be an issue if enough space is available in the fish tank.
Angelfish
This potential tankmate is not only compatible, but they also add variety to the look of your tank. Freshwater Angelfish are peaceful fish that should be kept in at least a 55-gallon aquarium to provide them with ample room to grow.
It should be noted that these potential tankmates may become more aggressive when attempting to pair off for mating if other Angelfish are present.
Silver Dollars
Another option to consider for Blood Parrot Cichlid tank mates are the many varieties of Metynnis for compatibility.
Growing up to six inches in length, these fish are compatible due to their peaceful nature. Another feature of this potential tank mate is their hardiness and longevity.
Bala Sharks
A viable option for larger blood parrot cichlid tank mates with a peaceful disposition is the Bala Shark. They are compatible with many species of larger fish and will be able to add more variety to your tank.
Keep in mind, however, that this species can grow up to 12 inches and should be kept in tanks over 100 gallons to reach their full potential.
Plecostomus
There are many varieties of this species and they will grow to 12 or more inches as an adult. That size can be problematic for compatibility with smaller fish, but not the Blood Parrot.
You will only want to keep one of this type of tankmate, as they tend to be aggressive towards other Plecos housed in their aquarium.
Various Catfish
Targetting compatible tank mates for your Blood Parrot can be easy if you select fish that feed and move in lower parts of the tank.
Many varieties of Corydoras can grow large enough to function in larger tanks with Blood Parrots. A major consideration with this type of potential tankmate is that they do best in small schools of three or more fish.
Loaches
Clown Loaches, also known as Tiger Loaches, might be considered as tankmates for Blood Parrot Cichlids.
They can grow to be 12 inches long as adults and will do best with more than one of their species. Ideally, this potential tank mate will require at least a 55-gallon aquarium for optimum health and compatibility.
Tiger Barbs
This community fish may make a potential tankmate for your Parrot Fish, but they won’t be compatible with some species. If your tank includes Angelfish it would be best to avoid them as they can be aggressive.
While the Blood Parrot can hold its own, we recommend that you keep at least four of these in larger tanks to keep their aggressiveness towards one another.
Final Thoughts
Your Blood Parrot can thrive with other tankmates if you take the time to set the aquarium up properly. Selecting fish with peaceful dispositions is only the start. You need to meet the space, privacy, and water requirements for Parrot Cichlid as well as those of any other species kept. This will include comparable ph levels and water temperatures.
We would love to hear about your experiences when keeping other compatible fish species with your Blood Parrot, as well as if you have any questions. Feel free to leave a comment!
Important steps to take when building a compatible community tank:
- Plan for an aquarium of at least 55-gallons for your Blood Parrot and potentially compatible fish.
- Keep in mind excellent filtration with a setup that can handle all media types.
- Remember to keep the needs of the tankmates in mind as well as those of your Blood Red Parrot.
