Pearl Cichlid
Geophagus brasiliensis
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–30 cm
- Minimum tank
- 450 litres
- Temperature
- 18–28 °C
Species profile
Parrot Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanurus
Common names: Parrot Cichlid, Blood Parrot Cichlid
HybridCichlids
Adult size
Up to 25 cm
Typical adult length 15–25 cm.
Up to 25 cm
Countries of origin
Good fit for your tank?
Good fit for
- Mature planted aquarium setups
- Intermediate shrimp keepers
Think carefully if
- The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
- The tank is newly cycled
- Water conditions change frequently
A captive hybrid cichlid with a rounded body and beak-like mouth. Adult care must account for heavy waste, feeding limitations, and variable health.
Appearance and Identification
A deep, rounded orange, red, yellow, or pale cichlid with a beak-like mouth, large eyes, and shortened body. Shape varies widely among lines.
Do not confuse it with the natural parrot cichlid Hoplarchus psittacus. Dyed fluorescent fish and severely deformed individuals should not be supported.
Sexing is difficult. Males may be slightly larger, while females show a broader ovipositor during spawning.
Tank Requirements
- Suggested filter
- About 1,000–1,250 litres an hour
- Suggested heater
- About 250–375 W for this tank
- Minimum tank volume
- 250 litres
- Minimum tank length
- 120 cm
- Minimum group size
- 1
- Recommended group size
- 1
- Activity level
- Moderate
- Flow preference
- Moderate
- Planting preference
- Moderately planted
- Hiding places
- Yes
- Lid recommended
- Yes
- Jumping risk
- Low
Provide strong filtration, open swimming space, smooth substrate, rounded hides, and tank mates that do not outcompete the fish at feeding. Avoid sharp décor around malformed mouths or spines.
Behaviour and Tankmates
Usually less combative than similarly sized parent species but still territorial and capable of bullying smaller fish.
Keep singly, as a compatible group in a large tank, or with robust calm companions. Individual behaviour varies.
Adults may defend caves or flat surfaces, particularly when laying eggs.
Use medium to large peaceful or semi-aggressive fishes that cannot be swallowed and will not monopolise food. Avoid tiny fish, shrimp, and aggressive predators.
Water Parameters
Stable neutral to slightly alkaline water is commonly used. Clean water and high oxygen are important because adults produce substantial waste.
Parameter caveat
Body and mouth deformities can impair swimming and feeding. Choose fish that can close or use the mouth effectively, swim normally, and maintain body condition.
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Manual aquarium siphon and gravel cleaner
A manual siphon for routine aquarium water changes and accessible waste removal. The seller lists a hose approximately 1.6 m long.
Control the flow and keep the intake clear of fish and delicate planting. Clean the areas appropriate for your substrate and layout rather than disturbing the entire planted bed.
Daraz NepalCheck availability on Daraz
Feeding
- Diet types
- Omnivore
- Feeding frequency
- Daily
- Preferred foods
- Quality sinking cichlid pelletUse a staple pellet appropriate to the fish size and mouth shape.
- Chopped shrimp, mussel, or earthwormOffer clean unseasoned portions as rotating protein foods.
- Blanched leafy greens or peasUseful for omnivorous and plant-eating species; remove leftovers promptly.
- Frozen krill or mysisFeed in moderation to add variety and support colour.
An omnivore that often feeds more effectively from sinking pellets and soft foods because of its mouth shape.
Observe each fish during feeding. Use manageable sinking foods and avoid dyed foods or live feeder fish.
Breeding
- Breeding type
- Egg Layer, Substrate Spawner
- Breeding difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding temperature
- 27 °C
- Breeding pH
- 7.2
- Brood or egg count
- Several hundred eggs may be laid, but many clutches remain infertile.
- Incubation
- 3 days
- Parental care
- Biparental care
- Baby foods
- Newly hatched brine shrimpSuitable after yolk absorption for most cichlid fry.
- Crushed high-quality cichlid pelletIntroduce gradually as fry grow.
- Finely chopped frozen cyclopsUseful supplementary food for larger fry.
Pairs may lay and guard eggs on a cleaned surface, but male infertility is common. Fertile offspring are uncommon and may involve backcrossing with a non-hybrid cichlid.
Habitat and Origin
- Geographic origin
- Captive-Developed, Taiwan
- Natural habitat
- Freshwater
- Aquarium contexts
- Freshwater Aquarium, Large Freshwater Aquarium, Species-Only Aquarium
- Audience level
- Intermediate
Classification
- Profile type
- Hybrid
- Genus
- Amphilophus × Vieja
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Species group
- Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids
- Previous scientific names
- Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja synspilum, Older hybrid formula using the former name Vieja synspilum, now generally treated as Vieja melanurus., Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanurus, Commonly proposed parentage; the exact commercial ancestry of all lines is not independently documented.
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Ram Cichlid – Dark Knight
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi var. "Dark Knight"
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 4–6 cm
- Minimum tank
- 60 litres
- Temperature
- 27–31 °C
Red Cheek Krobia
Krobia xinguensis
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 10–15 cm
- Minimum tank
- 200 litres
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Redbreasted Acara
Laetacara dorsigera
- Care level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 5–8 cm
- Minimum tank
- 80 litres
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C