What kind of cichlid?

[kmgriff72]

Our LFS has some orange cichlids that look as if they have a permanent smile on their face. Their mouth is shaped in the form of a smile and I was wondering if anyone knew what type they were? These fish are not for sale just in a display tank that they have. I was just wondering if anyone might know off the tops of their heads what they might be? :girl:

[rosswake]

I am pretty sure its a blood parrot cichlid. Google that fish for an image and let me know if I'm right! I have one and it can't close its mouth all the way, but I have heard that the older they get, the more functional their mouth becomes. I guess I'll know the truth sooner or later.

[cichlidkeeper91]

if it looks like this then its a blood parrot.http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/parrotci.htm

[kmgriff72]

Yes, I think that may be it but, these were a deeper orange about the color of a goldfish. The mouth looks exactly the same though. Are these fish agressive and what size tank do they need, I have a 75 gallon?

[rosswake]

some sites say they only get 6", while others say they can get 8-10", I've never seen them get that big though :hang: . I would think you could fit a few of them in that 75 gallon tank. Some advice though, they are pretty timid fish and will hide during the day, so if you want regular activity then I would get one or two Blood parrots and then add something else too.

[kmgriff72]

Thanks for the info, I will keep that in mind.

[rosswake]

Good luck!