True Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus) Care Guide
Hoplarchus psittacus is a large blackwater cichlid from the Negro and upper Orinoco basins, described by Heckel in 1840 and not related to hybrid blood parrots.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hoplarchus psittacus, the true or wild parrot cichlid, is a large South American cichlid described by Heckel in 1840. It should not be confused with the hybrid blood parrot cichlid; this is a wild blackwater species important as a food fish to indigenous peoples and occasionally kept in the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Hoplarchus
- Scientific name: Hoplarchus psittacus
- Described by Heckel, 1840
Habitat
The species inhabits blackwater systems of the Amazon River basin, including the Negro, Preto da Eva, Urubu and Jamari rivers in Brazil, and tributaries of the upper Orinoco River basin in Colombia and Venezuela. It is found in rivers, swamps and lakes.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 105 gal)
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-4 °dGH (soft)
- Maximum size: about 32-35 cm (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
FishBase reports a maximum length of about 32 cm total length (with some sources citing up to 35 cm), a pH of 5.5-6.0 and a dH of 5-10. The soft, acidic ranges above follow the verified KB record and its blackwater origin.
Diet
The species is an omnivore. FishBase notes it feeds on aquatic insects and crustaceans during high water and on fishes during the low-water season, with a trophic level around 3.7. In captivity it accepts prepared, frozen and live foods.
Compatibility
Peaceful but large and mid-water dwelling, it requires soft water and suits calm communities with discus, Severum, Geophagus and silver dollars. Tiny tetras and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Hoplarchus psittacus is a substrate spawner and considered demanding to breed, requiring soft, acidic conditions matching its blackwater habitat.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2020.
Hoplarchus psittacus Breeding Guide
Overview
Hoplarchus psittacus, the true parrot cichlid (not to be confused with hybrid blood parrots), is endemic to blackwater rivers of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, including the Rio Negro, Jamari, Preto da Eva and Urubu rivers and the upper Orinoco drainage. FishBase reports a maximum length of about 32 cm TL, with another reference noting up to 35 cm. It is a large substrate-spawning cichlid that is seldom bred in captivity.
Conditioning
This species feeds on aquatic insects and crustaceans during high water and on fishes during low-water seasons, so a varied diet helps bring potential pairs into condition. Soft, acidic blackwater that mirrors its habitat is the foundation for any spawning attempt.
Breeding Setup
Provide a large tank with very soft, acidic water and flat surfaces for egg deposition. FishBase lists a pH range of 5.5-6.0, dH of 5-10 and a temperature range of 27-30 C for the species, consistent with its blackwater origin.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As a substrate spawner, the species lays adhesive eggs on a cleaned hard surface. Successful captive spawning has been achieved by only a few aquarists, indicating that reliably triggering reproduction is difficult.
Common Challenges
The combination of large adult size, demanding soft-water chemistry and the species' reputation as challenging to spawn means breeding is realistic only for experienced keepers with large, well-managed blackwater systems. Detailed brood-care data is not well documented in the consulted sources.