blood parrot fish

 Blood Parrot Cichlid Fish Species

The Blood Parrot Cichlid, a hybrid fish species for home aquariums, has sparked much debate. It's believed to be a cross between the Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) or the Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) and the Redhead Cichlid (Vieja synspilum). This genetic mix has resulted in fish with unusual features, including a small mouth that can hinder feeding. Many aquarium enthusiasts question the ethics of breeding this hybrid and may even avoid shops that sell it.

Nevertheless, the fish's distinct appearance—rounded body, beak-like head, and large eyes—has won some admirers. Its compatibility with other species in community tanks has also added to its appeal.

Characteristics

- Scientific Name: Amphilophus citrinellus x Vieja synspilum

- Common Names: Blood Parrot Cichlid, Bloody Parrot Cichlid, Blood-Red Parrot Cichlid

- Family: Cichlidae

- Origin: Hybrid cross between cichlid species

- Adult Size: 7 to 8 inches, can reach 10 inches

- Social Behavior: Can be kept with other Blood Parrots or peaceful community fish

- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in captivity

- Tank Level: Middle and bottom levels

- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one fish; add 10 gallons per extra fish

- Diet: Prefers high-quality flakes or pellets for cichlids

- Breeding: Males are generally sterile; females may breed with other cichlids

- Care Requirements: Needs hiding places and open swimming areas; good filtration is crucial

- pH Range: 6.5 to 7.4

- Water Hardness: Soft

- Temperature: 76°F to 80°F

Origin and Distribution

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a hybrid resulting from the breeding of the Midas and Redhead cichlids. First bred in Taiwan in 1986, it didn't appear widely in pet shops until around the year 2000. It's essential not to confuse this fish with the freshwater Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus) or the saltwater Parrot Fish (Callyodon fasciatus).

The controversy surrounding this fish centers on ethical concerns about cross-breeding and resulting deformities that can impact the fish's quality of life. For instance, its small, oddly-shaped mouth can pose feeding challenges. The species may also suffer from spinal and swim bladder issues that hinder swimming. Many enthusiasts question the ethics of creating fish with such deformities and may boycott shops that sell them.

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Colors and Markings

Typically bright orange, Blood Parrots can also be found in shades of red, yellow, or gray. Juvenile fish often lack the vibrant red of adults. Some unethical breeders may dye the fish to achieve other colors. Adult fish grow to 7 to 8 inches and can live for 10 to 15 years. Males are generally larger than females.

The fish's distinct features include a round body, a beak-like head with large eyes, and a perpetually open mouth. Their teeth are deep in the throat, making it challenging for the fish to fight and eat.

Tankmates

Blood Parrots do best with non-aggressive tankmates, as they aren't well-suited to compete for food or territory. Ideal companions include mid-sized tetras, danios, gouramis, angelfish, and catfish.

Habitat and Care

Blood Parrots need spacious tanks with plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks, driftwood, or clay pots. They tend to dig, so use a smooth substrate. Maintain a temperature of 75-80°F; lower temperatures may weaken their immune system and cause color loss. Aim for a pH of about 7 and soft water.

Keep lighting subdued with red-spectrum light and perform water changes twice a month. Due to their waste production, high-volume filtration is essential.

Watch out for high levels of nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate, which can cause blue-green algae that can harm your fish. Blood Parrots may experience common issues such as ich parasites, swim bladder disease, and bacterial infections.

Diet

Blood Parrots enjoy a mix of flake, live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods. They prefer sinking over floating foods. Popular treats include bloodworms and live brine shrimp. Foods high in beta-carotene and canthaxanthin help maintain their vibrant colors.

Sexual Differences

Males and females look alike in terms of color and pattern, though males tend to be larger. When breeding, females develop an ovipositor to lay eggs, while males' anal and genital openings remain similar in size, sometimes with a small pointed papilla for fertilization.

Breeding

Blood Parrots can mate and lay eggs, but they are usually infertile. Occasionally, females may breed successfully with other cichlid species. Like other cichlids, they protect their eggs and fry, even consuming infertile eggs to prevent fungus spread.

Post-hatch, daily 25% water changes are crucial for fry health. Baby brine shrimp, either fresh or frozen, make an excellent first food. As fry grow, transition them to fine fry food.