Advanced careSemi-aggressiveMid/Bottom dwellerTank-bred hybrid only -...

Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid

Amatitlania sp. (Blood Parrot x Convict hybrid, 'Platinum')

The Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid (Amatitlania sp. (Blood Parrot x Convict hybrid, 'Platinum')) is a semi-aggressive fish that's best left to experienced keepers. Give it a tank of at least 150 litres (40 US gallons), water held at 75-82°F, and a pH of 6.5-7.8.

Care levelAdvanced
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
Min tank size40 US gal
pH range6.5-7.8
Temperature75-82°F
Max size5.9 in (15.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8-12 years
SchoolingNo
Share

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Tank-bred hybrid only - no wild origin (Blood Parrot x Convict Cichlid, platinum colour strain)

We don't shade a region on this simplified map - your text may be Europe-only, worldwide, listed as "Various," captive-only, or outside the five areas used in the stocking calculator. That tool still scores whether your fish come from similar parts of the world.

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid Tank Setup

Give them at least 150 litres (40 US gallons). Cichlids are territorial and produce plenty of waste, so strong filtration and some rocks or wood to break up sight lines both help. Aim for 75-82°F and a pH around 6.5-7.8. They reach about 15 cm as adults, so don't be misled by the small juveniles sold in stores.

What Do Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid Tank Mates

A pale, whitish-silver 'platinum' colour strain of the same Blood Parrot x Convict hybrid as the Blue Polar Parrot - same body shape and care needs, just a different selectively-bred colour line. Genuinely milder-tempered than a pure Convict Cichlid, but still territorial, especially during breeding - provide caves and sandy substrate. As a hybrid, fertility and fry survival vary between individuals. The Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid is semi-aggressive, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. Good matches come down to the whole stocking list working together - temperature, tank size, and temperament - not any single label. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids Good for Beginners?

Not a sensible first purchase. Get the tank cycled, keep easier fish stable for a year, then revisit if you still want the extra work this species demands.

Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlid - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids need?

Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids need a tank of at least 150 litres (40 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

What water parameters do Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids need?

Keep them at 75-82°F with a pH of 6.5-7.8, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids eat?

Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids are omnivores and aren't fussy eaters. Feed a varied mix of good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods, and match the food size to their mouths. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids good for beginners?

Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids are not a beginner species. They need precise conditions and consistent maintenance, so build experience with hardier fish before keeping them.

Common mistakes with Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids

  • Underestimating tank size - the minimum footprint is 150 litres (40 US gallons); impulse buying into a smaller tank leads to stress and shortened lifespan.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Fish to avoid mixing with Platinum Polar Parrot Cichlids

These well-known species are commonly sold alongside this fish but are not recommended tank mates - verify before purchasing.

  • Pea PufferPredator - Pea Puffer will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Serpae TetraFin nipper - will shred the fins of peaceful fish
  • Tiger BarbFin nipper - will shred the fins of peaceful fish