True Parrot Cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Rio Negro, Orinoco and their tributaries (Blackwater). A giant of the dark igapó (flooded forests of South America), where it reigns in warm, motionless waters covered by giant roots and leaf litter, with very low pH.

Taxonomy and Morphology: True Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus). Must not be confused in any way with the infamous Blood Parrot Cichlid hybrid. It has immense eyes (for crepuscular and dark life), a huge round profile (35 cm! / 14 inches) and thin bright green lips.

Social Behavior: A gruff and grumpy king but not a serial killer. Claims its own large trunk and violently bites anyone who approaches its nest (Conspecifics), but usually ignores all small schooling fish swimming at the surface.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The "Green Parrot": the only species that boasts a plumage of bright iridescent green / aquamarine scales (Very rare in freshwater cichlids) combined with purplish shades on the belly. Gargantuan males compared to their mates, sometimes with nuchal hump.

Aquarium Setup: Only for experts with custom-made tanks (min. 200 cm / 80 inches tank / 800+ liters). Cyclopean bogwoods and amber sand in abundance. Dim lighting with alder cones and catappa leaves, simulating the shadows of the Rio Negro. No abrasive rocks that would scratch them when they dart startled.

Diet and Feeding: Tireless predator and gatherer. Complex diet: if fed only proteins they get sick, they require marine protein meals (Shrimp with shells for colors, scallops, bloodworms) supplemented by heavy spirulina and algae pellets for intestinal transit.

Water Quality: Its "Achilles heel": a gigantic excrement machine which however, coming from very acidic aseptic waters, gets sick with Hexamita if there is even a trace of bacteriosis in the filter or nitrates above 15ppm. The tank requires stable 50% weekly changes.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Magically matches with the mild giants of South America that occupy other water layers. 1 to 2 specimens with a nice school of Uaru, Geophagus altifrons or large giant Loricariids. No "hard" Central American cichlids.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely rare. Substrate Spawners that require months in perfect isolation (no tankmates), water at Ph 5 and simulated fasts to induce brooding. Both will protect the huge mass of eggs (more than 1000).

Risks and Diseases: HITH (Hole in the head disease) and exhaustion. Almost 80% of True Parrots bred by inexpert people have their skulls devastated by bacterial "holes" due to incorrect diets (too much red meat or scraps) and calcareous tap water.