The  Parrot requires an aquarium of at least 55 gallons, with a sandy bottom, rocks and plenty of hiding places among the rocks. Live plants should be planted in pots to protect the roots from these fish. The  Parrot is generally peaceful with other fish of similar size, but can be timid or bullied by other Cichlids.

The  Parrot is normally infertile and will not successfully breed in the aquarium. They may lay eggs in a cave, but because the males are often times infertile, they usually will not develop.

The Parrot is omnivorous and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.