Black & White Parrot Cichlid

Black & White Striped Parrot Cichlid

Black & White Parrot Cichlids are a beautiful, albeit controversial, freshwater cichlid. These fish are a hybrid fish species that was first created in Taiwan around 1986. The exact species used to create the Black & White Parrot Cichlid are believed to be a crossing of Convict Cichlids and Blood Parrots. The colouration and patterning of the Black & White Parrot Cichlid is very similar to the convict cichlid species.

Black & White Parrot Cichlids are active swimmers and will grow to an adult size of around 8 inches, they require a fairly large aquarium with lots of space to swim. A larger aquarium of at least 100-350 litres is recommended, particularly if keeping in groups. Parrot Cichlids can be quite shy, so plenty of driftwood or hiding spaces is recommended.

Are Black & White Striped Parrot Cichlid's aggressive?
Black & White Parrot fish are not considered to be an aggressive cichlid. They are rarely bullied, because of their size, but also possess very little capability to attack. They are quite large and cumbersome, slow-swimming, and have small mouths, which limits its likeliness to attack other fish species in the aquarium. Black & White Parrot Cichlids make ideal tankmates for other similar-sized peaceful fish, but care must be taken not to house with any fish small enough to be considered food.

Are Black & White Striped Parrot Cichlids artificially dyed colours?
While it is true that in many countries, the parrot cichlid has been artificially dyed into vibrant blue, red and purple colours, the practice is generally considered cruel and is not one we support. The natural colour of Black & White Parrot Cichlid's is a combination affected by the breeding of Parrot Cichlids and Convict Cichlids, that display the same colouration and stripes. Platinum or white Parrot Cichlids are also common, and it is often these that are used as a base fish for coloured dye. We do not and will not sell dyed fish, only natural Parrot Cichlids.

Features
Approx. supplied size: 2-3" / 5-7cm
Maximum size: 8" / 20cm
Origin: Taiwan
Ideal number kept together: 2+
Temperament: Peaceful, active

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5 temp 24°C
Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 6-18 dGH
Ideal temperature: 24–26°C
Lighting: moderate
Water flow: low to moderate

Ease of Care
Moderate. Parrot Cichlid fish are not particularly hardy, and can possess defects and immunity issues due to the way they are bred. Parrot Cichlid's have small mouths, so care must be taken to ensure they are eating properly.

Diet
Omnivore. Parrot Cichlid fish are happy with flake and granules, and will eat meatier live and frozen food occasionally to supplement. Be aware that the small mouth of a Parrot Cichlid can cause the fish to struggle to eat larger food pieces, such as shrimp or mussels.

Compatibility
Can be housed in a community aquarium with caution, alongside other peaceful community fish of a similar size. Do not house with anything small enough to be considered food. Very popular in community peaceful South American cichlid tanks, with other docile cichlids.

Breeding
Parrot Cichlids are egg layers but struggle with infertility, so are not easy to breed in captivity. Parrot Cichlids are very protective of eggs and will become aggressive around them, eating them if they become infected with fungus.

Life Span
Black & White zebra striped Parrot Cichlids can live 10-15 years in perfect conditions.

Please note we cannot hand-pick male or female unless specified in the listing. Photograph is for illustrative purposes intended as a guide to the species you will receive. Shades (and stripe patterns) of the Black & White Parrot Fish will vary from grey to white.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.