Red Tiger Parrot Cichlid Care Guide The Red Tiger Parrot Cichlid, also known as the Blood Red Parrot Cichlid, is a popular freshwater aquarium fish prized for its vibrant orange-red coloration and unique parrot-like beak. While generally peaceful, they require specific care to thrive. 1. Tank Setup: Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons for one fish, with 10 additional gallons for each extra fish. Larger tanks are always better, especially if you plan to keep multiple parrots. Filtration: They produce a lot of waste, so a powerful filtration system is crucial to maintain good water quality. Water Parameters: Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C). pH: 6.5-7.4 (slightly acidic). Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is preferred. Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel is ideal as they enjoy digging and sifting through the substrate. Decor: Provide plenty of hiding places such as caves, driftwood, and rocks. They appreciate having territories and feeling secure. Plants: Live plants may be uprooted by their digging habits. Consider hardy plants like Java fern or Anubias, or opt for artificial plants. 2. Feeding: Diet: They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. Recommended Foods: High-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times a day, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. Sinking Foods: Their mouths are not well-suited for surface feeding, so sinking pellets are often easier for them to consume. 3. Tank Mates: Temperament: They are generally peaceful, but can be territorial, especially during breeding. Suitable Tank Mates: Other peaceful or semi-aggressive fish of similar size that can tolerate the same water parameters. This could include other parrot cichlids, larger tetras, or angelfish. Avoid: Small, delicate fish (e.g., guppies) or very aggressive species. 4. Water Changes & Maintenance: Regular Water Changes: Perform partial water changes (25-50%) at least once a week to maintain water quality and remove accumulated waste. Monitor Water Parameters: Regularly test water parameters (temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate) to ensure they are within the appropriate range. 5. Health & Disease: Common Issues: They can be prone to certain diseases like ich and swim bladder problems. Signs of Illness: Watch for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, clamped fins, and white spots on the body. Quarantine: Quarantine any new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of disease. Important Notes: Ethical Considerations: Blood Parrot Cichlids are a man-made hybrid, and their unique shape can sometimes lead to health problems. It’s important to be aware of this and provide them with the best possible care. Lifespan: They can live for 10-15 years with proper care. Color: Their color can vary depending on genetics, diet, and water parameters. By providing a well-maintained tank, a varied diet, and appropriate tank mates, you can help your Red Tiger Parrot Cichlid thrive and enjoy a long, healthy life.