Parrots & Angelfish

[dwhite93]

I have a problem I was hoping somebody with more experience could help me with. I have a freshwater community tank and the salesman at the aquarium store told me that i could add a Parrot Cichlid to my community tank. He said that they are very shy & docile and will not bother the other fish.

Well, Polly has chased and nipped at my Altum angel relentlessly since I have put her in the tank. The only time she isn't chasing the angel is when she is hiding in her cave.

My question is this: does anyone think that they'll just get used to one another and learn to avoid each other or get along, or is this probably going to continue? I love both of these beautiful fish, and would hate to get rid of one, but I'd probably get rid of the aggressor.
Any insights?
Thanks

 

[CFC]

Moved your post to the correct forum for you, sorry i know next to nothing about cichlids except that most are agressive little so and so's but im sure CM or SMB wil be along soon.

 

[juanveldez]

well first off how big is the tank? second doubtful that they will learn to be all kissy

 

[smb]

By the fact that your lfs said they were shy and docile, I'm assuming it's the hybrid Blood Parrot you have instead of the real cichlid?

If it's the hybrid, I haven't ever kept them and know very little about them. I have heard that some are docile and some can be nasty.


If you have the true Parrot cichlid, then nothing will change and he'll probably end up killing your Angel.

Like juanveldez asked, what size tank?

H. psittacus grows to about 16" in the aquarium and unless you have a vry big aquarium, it probably won't allow anything else in there but something with the same size/temperament and they will fight in the beginning to establish dominance but could be ok after that if they are equals.

 

[dwhite93]

It's a 30 Gallon tank, but I only have the one parrot, angelfish, 6 tetras, and a dwarf gourami. They told me that was enough room for the angel and parrot - I know they get big though. Or is it just a territorial thing? The parrot isn't bothering any of the other fish....yet.

 

[dwhite93]

I don't know what type of parrot it is. It is a yellowish-orange. Not red like the blood parrots I've seen on different webpages online. But I thought they were all genetically engineered. I don't know. I am pretty new to all this.

 

[smb]

That's ok if you aren't sure. We all come here to learn from each other.

If he's orangish he's the hybrid. H. psittacus is dark green.

I can't say for sure about the habits of the blood red. I have heard from others that some are docile and some are mean.

How long has it been since you've added the blood red parrot?

 

[juanveldez]

I am also sure that you can kiss the tetras good bye as the parrot if he is being ignorant to the angel you can be rest assured that soon enough he WILL turn his attentions to the tetras as well as the Gourami

 

[EMdina]

I don't have cichlids...but my sister had two parrots in her 55g tank...she had to bring one to the fish store because it was just too mean...it had, also, grown very large...the other one stayed on the smallish side, and while aggressive, wasn't 'as' aggressive as the other...my sister added a school of tiger barbs and the next morning was missing three...
anyway, that is all that I can offer up...
E

 

[cichlidmaster]

The "parrot" fish (can't call them a cichlid) is said to be a cross between a red devil (Amphilophus labiatus) and a gold severum (Heros severus).

The reason I say you can't call them a "cichlid" or even a species is due to the fact that they are a hybrid!!

Given the fact of what they are said to be a cross of, this indicates they are predisposed to be aggressive!!

I have heard that some are gentle and some are aggressive, but since I don't keep "mutants" I can't say from personal experience.

IMO you should take the bloody creature back to thwe shop, tell the shop person it's tearing uo your other fish and ask for your money back.

Since the store person told you it would be "OK" and it is not they should have no problem with this.

If nothing else they should give you store credit for the full purchase price you paid for it.

CM

 

[dwhite93]

I added the parrot maybe about 4 days ago. The first day the parrot just hid in the cave. Now he hides in there most of the time, but when he does come out, it's only to eat or to bully the angel. Luckily the angel must be pretty quick, because his fins are all still in tact. I did notice last night though that the parrot was out more, and didn't bother the angel unless it swam over into his territory of the tank (cave & water wisteria).
Also, do parrots sleep on the bottom of the tank? Because this morning I saw him lying on his side on the bottom of the tank. I thought he was dead, so I went to net him out and he swam away and has been fine ever since. Very strange little creature.

 

[smb]

I did notice last night though that the parrot was out more, and didn't bother the angel unless it swam over into his territory of the tank (cave & water wisteria).

That's what I was saying above about the fighting at first but once territories are established it might calm down, as long as the Angel stays out of his territory.

Also, do parrots sleep on the bottom of the tank? Because this morning I saw him lying on his side on the bottom of the tank.

I wouldn't say that this is normal but I have seen it. My last Midas I had would wedge himself on his side under a rock and sleep there. It freaked me out the first couple days I turned the lights on and saw it. He was fine tho and just liked it for some reason.

I would take him back tho. He'll most likely end up killing your Angel sooner or later.
Chances are, like CM said, if it is a hybrid of an RD and severum, a 30g tank is way too small anyways and in those confines the blood red parrot will only get nastier as he gets bigger.

 

[impur]

This is just one of those things you get with fish. Sometimes you may have one that is very docile, then you can get another of the same species that turns out to be a real terror. All fish have different personalities.

 

[teknikz]

i have 3 parrots n they are all lovely......deffo my fave fishes......they are a lil territorial for the first week or 2 but its all sorted after that

if i were you id wait a few days and see what happens.....it'd be a shame to give back such a lovely fish that could have LOADS of personallity

i dunno why ppl hate them so much really.....i think they look and act lovely....i wouldnt say they were mutants at all

Tek

 

[rosierabbit]

i don't know much about these parrot fish, but i think 'mutant' is a bit harsh. i'm sure there are loads of really friendly ones out there (there are obviously some on this website), and it's not their fault that they are mixed breeds.