Blood Parrots?

[erin14]

Can anyone tell me what they're really like? Some internet sites say they can be kept in a community tank while others say they shouldn't be? I know they're really shy. Its just that I saw one today at a LFS and it was really nice! It was a really dark grey (almost black) and had some yellow patches on its face! He was pretty cute, but I didn't wanna do one of those impulse buys. So what do you people think??

 

[Lupin]

I'd definitely avoid them but it's your choice. Depending on your fish's personality, I wouldn't risk putting them in a community tank. They can reach 8-10 inches max and are hybridized cichlids, a cross possibly from severums and red devils.

Avoid the dyed ones as they may be prone to skinny diseases more than the undyed ones are.

 

[chadly831]

i have 2 parrots in a 30 gal tank with a catfish. i have noticed that as long as there is enough caves for them to hide in they wont go near the catfish. i think they are cool fish and when they get setteled in the tank they will come out and greet you i can actually feed one of them by hand. good luck if you get the parrot

 

[princessbobsie]

i've had my blood parrot 18month hes the funnyest fish ever! his personality is exellent hes like a true pet. fred ( my blood parrot ) has never been shy! he always wants attention ( and feeding! ) ..... mine is around 8inch now! hes a big boy. and the need a nice roomy tank ...hes currently in a 90 uk gallon tank with tank mates much smaller then him ( kribensis and keyhole cichlid ) he doesn't bother them at all! even when he was with a 1inch catfish ( altho he was only 3inch then ) the only times i have problems is with my severum ( also 8inch ) wants to be boss....but if you get one with fish sized 2-3inch up to 6inch so he's the biggest he will be happy! hope that helped!

i just read you sig.....one would be ok in our 50gallon for about a year if you buy one small (once it gets over 5inch he might want to eat things)..... also i don't know what they are like with tiger barbs i heard they were nippers and blood parrots can't swim fast.

 

[Star_Rider]

Ultimately a blood parrot will display the quirks of any cichlid.
what that means is..they will be somewhat unpredicatable.
some do well in community cichlid tanks..others do not.

 

[princessbobsie]

Ultimately a blood parrot will display the quirks of any cichlid.
what that means is..they will be somewhat unpredicatable.
some do well in community cichlid tanks..others do not.

he's right mine is very placid for a semi-aggressive cichlid now i think about it if i put him with catfish now or anything smaller than an inch or two he will eat them. :grinyes:
*they love eating guppys!*