Based on expert recommendations, parrot fish should not be kept with guppies, as guppies are unsuitable tank mates and are at risk.
Keeping different fish species together in an aquarium requires careful consideration of their size, temperament, and environmental needs. When it comes to blood parrot cichlids, often referred to simply as parrot fish, choosing appropriate tank mates is crucial for the safety and well-being of all inhabitants.
Why Guppies Are Not Suitable Tank Mates
According to aquarium keeping guidelines, blood parrot cichlids should be housed with fish that are "similar-sized and can live in the same environmental conditions." The guidance explicitly states, "That means no to guppies, betta fish, or goldfish."
There are several reasons why smaller fish like guppies are not recommended tank mates for blood parrot cichlids:
- Size Difference: Blood parrot cichlids are significantly larger than guppies. In an aquarium setting, larger fish often view smaller fish as potential food.
- Temperament: While blood parrot cichlids are generally considered semi-aggressive (especially compared to more aggressive cichlids), they are still large fish capable of harassing or preying upon smaller, more delicate species like guppies.
- Safety: Guppies are slow-moving and lack the size or speed to evade a larger cichlid. Keeping them together puts the guppies at high risk of being eaten or severely injured.
Recommended Tank Mates
Instead of guppies, the reference suggests keeping blood parrot cichlids with other fish that are better suited to their size and temperament. Common tank mates recommended include:
- Oscars (with caution, as Oscars are large and can be aggressive)
- Angelfish
- Larger Tetras
- More Blood Parrots
Choosing appropriate tank mates ensures a more peaceful and stable environment for all fish in the aquarium.
Tank Mate Compatibility Overview
| Fish Type | Suitability with Parrot Fish | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Guppies | Unsuitable | Too small, risk of predation/harassment |
| Betta Fish | Unsuitable | Too small, risk of aggression |
| Goldfish | Unsuitable | Different environmental needs |
| Oscars | Suitable (with caution) | Similar size, temperament varies |
| Angelfish | Suitable | Similar size, generally compatible |
| Larger Tetras | Suitable | Large enough to avoid being eaten |
| More Blood Parrots | Suitable | Same species, compatible |
In conclusion, while the provided reference doesn't state definitively "parrot fish will eat guppies," the strong recommendation against keeping them together with guppies indicates that guppies are not safe tank mates due to size differences and the inherent risk of predation or harm from the larger cichlid.
