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Parrot Cichlid

Hoplarchus psittacus
parrot cichlid

Parrot Cichlid

Hoplarchus psittacus
Other Common Names
Acará paragaio
At the Aquarium
Amazon Basin
Other Common Names
Acará paragaio

At the Aquarium

Amazon Basin

Appearance

They gain their name from the rounded head that resembles a parrots’ beak. Their oval shaped bodies are usually a green or teal with bright orange eyes. Their top fins, cheeks, and belly may have slight red coloration.

Habitat

Inland wetlands

Diet

A variety of small fish, insects, invertebrates, fruits, and nuts.

Life History

During courtship, their colors will darken and become more intense. Eggs will hatch after 3-5 days after being fertilized. When first hatched, their diet mostly consists of small invertebrates like brine shrimp.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Parrot cichlids are important as a food source in local regions. They also are common in aquariums and the pet trade.
Range
Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not found on the Oregon Coast. It can be found at the Oregon Coast Aquarium as part of our temporary exhibit Amazon Basin: Adventure for the Senses.
Fun Facts
Parrot cichlid is a common name for the Hoplarchus psittacus that it shares with Hypsophrys nicaraguensis.

Citations & Other Resources

  • IUCN RedList
  • Hoplarchus psittacus. (2025, February 4). Aquainfo.Nl. https://aquainfo.nl/en/article/hoplarchus-psittacus/
  • Jan Hvizdak, postmaster@aqua-fish.net. (2026). Comprehensive care guide for parrot cichlid (hoplarchus psittacus). Aqua-Fish.Net. https://en.aqua-fish.net/fish/parrot-cichlid
  • Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). “Hoplarchus psittacus”. FishBase. February 2013 version.
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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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