What to Do When Blood Parrot Cichlids Fight and Lose Scales, Exposing Flesh

1 Treating Lost Scales and Exposed Flesh

As soon as you see lost scales, move the fish to its own tank so bacteria don’t spread to healthy fish. Bathe it in a 2–3% salt solution, and add an appropriate antibacterial or vitamin preparation to the water as support. For severe scale loss, sprinkle ‘yellow powder’ or an anti-inflammatory into the water and soak the fish about 20 minutes; it should improve within roughly a week.

During treatment, add a heater and hold the water at about 28–30°C. If scales are gone and white flesh shows, beyond the yellow powder, dab the rotten area with potassium permanganate to disinfect. While the fish recovers, change the tank water every three days so poor water quality doesn’t worsen the condition.

2 Preventing Fights Among Blood Parrot Cichlids

1. Bigger tank. In a crowded tank, territorial parrots fight; upgrade to a larger tank so each has room and the biting eases.

2. Plenty of food. The most common cause is competition for food, so feed on a regular schedule and, with many fish, add extra so none goes hungry.

3. Separate housing. If fights are severe and a bigger tank doesn’t help, isolate the aggressive individuals in their own tank — then the fighting simply stops.