Description
True Parrot Cichlid
Latin name: Hoplarchus psittacus
The True Parrot Cichlid is a rare and highly desirable South American species, often confused with hybrid “blood parrot” cichlids. Unlike hybrids, this is a natural species, prized for its powerful build, intelligent behaviour, and beautiful red/orange tones that intensify with age and good care.
Care Information
- Adult Size: 30–40 cm
- Temperature: 24–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Tank Size: Minimum 500 litres
- Diet: Omnivorous — high-quality cichlid pellets, vegetables, fruits, and protein such as shrimp, mussels, and worms
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial, especially as adults or when breeding
- Tank Setup: Large open swimming areas, strong filtration, driftwood, and sturdy décor
Why Choose the True Parrot Cichlid?
- Natural species: Not a hybrid like blood parrots — a true wild-type fish
- Impressive size and presence: A commanding centrepiece for large aquariums
- Intelligent and interactive: Recognises keepers and shows strong personality
- Rare in the hobby: Highly sought after by serious aquarists
Best suited for experienced fishkeepers with large aquariums, the True Parrot Cichlid offers a combination of power, beauty, and authenticity that makes it a standout addition to any serious collection.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery from £15 - £30
- Range 0-25 miles from store
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DX Express: 1 working day, same-day dispatch before noon 0-75kg
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days 75-500kg
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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