Introduction to Blood Parrot Cichlid
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a freshwater fish that belongs to the cichlid family. This fish is famous for its vibrant orange scales and unique beak-shaped mouth.
It is known for being a calm and peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank. Despite its popularity among aquarists, the Blood Parrot Cichlid has also received backlash from some for the way it was bred and genetic deformities it may possess.
Popularity and Controversy
Community tanks are a popular way to showcase the beauty of different fish species. One of the most popular species is the Blood Parrot Cichlid.
People love the unique beak-like shape and bright colors of this fish. They bring a splash of vibrancy to any aquarium, making them even more popular among fish enthusiasts.
However, the Blood Parrot Cichlid’s popularity does not come without controversy. These fish are the result of hybrid breeding that is often criticized as being unethical.
The cichlid family is known for its diverse and colorful species, but breeding them to create hybrids can lead to genetic deformities. This has led some people to boycott the Blood Parrot Cichlid.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Facts & Overview
Scientific Name and Common Names
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a hybrid between the Amphilophus citrinellus and either the Heros severus or the Paraneetroplus synspilus. The scientific name for this species is Amphilophus citrinellus x Heros severus or Amphilophus citrinellus x Paraneetroplus synspilus.
There are several common names for this species, including the Blood Parrot Cichlid and the Blood-Red Parrot Cichlid.
Distribution, Size, and Life Expectancy
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is native to Taiwan, where it was first bred in the 1980s.
They can grow up to 7-8 inches long and live for up to 10-15 years in good aquarium conditions.
Appearance, Colors, and Patterns
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is known for its vibrant orange color, which can become paler or darker depending on various factors such as stress levels and diet.
This fish can also display different shades of yellow, red, and gray. The beak-shaped mouth is a result of selective breeding, making it stand out from other cichlid species.
Additionally, the Blood Parrot Cichlid has a large and pronounced eye, which makes it look more adorable. Its fins are translucent, and they can blend in with the aquarium’s environment or add a touch of elegance.
Temperament and Minimum Tank Size
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with other calm species. However, it is not recommended to keep them alongside fish species that are too small or too aggressive.
The recommended minimum tank size for a Blood Parrot Cichlid is 30 gallons, but larger tanks are recommended if you intend to keep more than one Blood Parrot Cichlid.
Conclusion
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a popular freshwater fish species among aquarists because of its bright orange color and unique beak-shaped mouth. It is a peaceful fish that can be kept comfortably in a community tank with other calm species.
However, there is a controversy surrounding its hybrid breeding and potential genetic deformities. Despite this, Blood Parrot Cichlid remains a favorite among fish enthusiasts.
3) Origin of Blood Parrot Cichlid
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a hybrid species that was first bred in Taiwan in the 1980s. The Parent cichlid fish that were bred together to produce this hybrid species include the Midas cichlid and the Redhead cichlid.
The Midas cichlid, also known as Amphilophus citrinellus, is a large cichlid fish that is native to the freshwater basins of South America. It is found in rivers throughout the region and is known for its bright and vibrant colors.
The Redhead cichlid, also known as Cichlasoma synspilum, is also a South American cichlid fish. This species is known for its distinctive red scales on its forehead and cheeks, and it can grow up to 12 inches long.
To produce the Blood Parrot Cichlid, breeders mated these two cichlid species, resulting in a hybrid fish with unique characteristics. However, this breed has been controversial due to concerns about the breeding process and potential health issues for the fish.
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a result of human intervention. Since they are a hybrid species, they do not occur naturally in the wild.
Thus, it requires careful attention to breed this fish. The process is somewhat similar to creating different breeds of dogs or cats through selective breeding.
It is done to develop a specific species of fish with desirable physical features, resulting in their unique looks. Although the hybridization process is not harmful to the fish and does not harm their quality of life, the final result may sometimes face genetic defects, which can lead to health issues.
4) Adult Size & Lifespan
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a relatively large fish when compared to other species of aquarium fish. It can grow up to 7-8 inches long, making it an impressive and eye-catching addition to your aquarium.
Despite their size, they are peaceful creatures that rarely show aggression towards other fish. They are known to be mild-tempered and enjoy swimming leisurely in their tank.
The Blood Parrot Cichlid has a relatively long lifespan. If properly cared for, it can live for up to 10-15 years in good aquarium conditions.
These fish require a balanced diet, regular water changes, and a clean environment to thrive. Neglecting their care can result in their living a shorter life.
To ensure that the Blood Parrot Cichlid has an enjoyable life, its essential to care for them properly. It can include a balanced diet with protein content to promote growth and health, as well as clean water, adequate filtration to keep the water moving, and a well planted aquarium to mimic a more natural and comfortable environment.
If cared for correctly, this fish can bring an amazing experience to your aquarium and offer great joy.
5) Availability
If you’re interested in keeping a Blood Parrot Cichlid in your aquarium, you can easily find them at most pet stores or exotic pet stores. They are in high demand due to their vibrant appearance and peaceful nature.
Most pet stores carry them, and their price range varies depending on various factors, including the size, color, and location. On average, the cost of a Blood Parrot Cichlid starts at around $15 and can range up to $50 or more for larger, rarer varieties.
You can also purchase Blood Parrot Cichlids from online stores that specialize in aquarium fish and carpentry sites.
However, if you decide to purchase a Blood Parrot Cichlid from an online source, it is essential to research the website and read reviews thoroughly.
Make sure that the store has ethical breeding practices and a good track record of delivering healthy specimens. 6) Appearance & Behavior
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a fish with one of the most unique appearances in the aquarium hobby.
It has a beak-like head, which makes its appearance look more adorable and fun. It also has googly eyes, which give the fish its cute look and personality.
The Blood Parrot Cichlids fins are translucent and can range in color depending on their stress levels and mood. Their Nuchal hump on their head can vary in size, which is a characteristic of the South American cichlid species where they belong.
However, their beak-like head and large silvery eyes are entirely unique to this hybrid species. It is vital to note that the selective breeding process responsible for these fish’s unique looks can also sometimes result in genetic deformities and health problems.
For example, the Blood Parrot Cichlid’s upper and lower jaw placements can lead to some eating problems.
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a peaceful fish that generally gets along with other species in a community tank.
They usually group together in the tank and tend to recognize the owners who take care of them with time. This fish is known to be a docile swimmer that can become aggressive if they feel threatened or during the breeding period.
They can also become territorial in their own space and will exhibit behaviors like nipping fins, choosing a particular position, or chasing away other fish.
It is essential to recognize the signs of stress in Blood Parrot Cichlid.
These fish will show behaviors like hiding during the day, not eating, or swimming abnormally. Stress can be caused by water quality, a lack of hiding space or adequate movement to fish, changes in tank inhabitants, illness, or inappropriate water temperature.
An unhealthy or stressed Blood Parrot Cichlid may also exhibit signs like weak movements, lack of appetite, or have some color changes. To ensure that your Blood Parrot Cichlid enjoys their stay in your aquarium, it is crucial to give them enough hiding space and environment to play in, proper nutrition, and a clean and adequately maintained tank with good water flow.
Be sure to observe their behaviors regularly to detect any changes that may indicate ill-health or stress. With proper care, the Blood Parrot Cichlid can be both a beautiful addition to your aquarium and an enjoyable pet to own.
7) Blood Parrot Cichlid Care & Tank Requirements
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a beautiful but somewhat challenging fish to care for, requiring intermediate aquarist level. It is essential to understand its specific tank requirements and care for their needs correctly, to keep them happy and healthy.
Tank setup and specific conditions:
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a freshwater species that requires a well-maintained aquarium with a clean substrate, plenty of hiding spaces, and proper lighting. Due to their active nature, they need a spacious aquarium with a minimum size of at least 30 gallons, relatively larger tanks recommended if multiple Blood Parrot Cichlids are kept together.
It is also essential to keep the water parameters precise, which involves regularly changing the water, monitoring the pH, nitrogen cycle, and dissolved oxygen levels. The Blood Parrot Cichlid requires a filter that generates moderate water movements in the aquarium and removes debris without causing high water currents in the tank.
Overfeeding them is also known to cause sickness, so it is essential to feed them just enough food that they can finish in a couple of minutes a day. Diseases prevention:
The Blood Parrot Cichlid can be prone to several diseases such as ick parasites, bacterial infections, and swim bladder disease, among others.
It is essential to prevent potential ailments by maintaining good water quality, a consistent diet, and avoiding overcrowding and inappropriate tank mates. One effective way of preventing diseases is by adding aquarium salt in small doses to the water.
The salt helps to reduce stress levels in the fish and minimize the chance of illness. Additionally, always ensure that only compatible tank mates are introduced to the tank.
Tank mates:
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a peaceful fish that can live comfortably alongside other peaceful fish species. When choosing tank mates for Blood Parrot Cichlids, it’s essential to consider their general temperament, size, and behavior.
Here are some compatible tank mates for the Blood Parrot Cichlid:
1. Danios and Tetra: These are small and peaceful fish that make for excellent tank mates.
They thrive in similar water conditions and can add some color to the environment. 2.
Catfish: Catfish species like Plecos or Corydoras are bottom dwellers that will reduce uneaten food in the tank, creating a cleaner aquarium environment. 3.
Angelfish: Angelfish share a similar personality and can be kept in the same tank with Blood Parrot Cichlids. 4.
African Cichlid: Blood Parrot Cichlid can also be housed alongside several African Cichlids, like Electric Yellow Cichlid. 5.
Firemouth Cichlid/Kribensis cichlid: These are peaceful cichlids that can also thrive alongside Blood Parrot cichlids. 6.
Honey Gourami/Dwarf Gourami: Gourami species are colorful and have super personalities. They are typically peaceful and can coexist with Blood Parrot Cichlids.
7. Clown pleco: The clown pleco is a great addition to a Blood Parrot Cichlid tank.
They are an excellent algae eater, so they will keep your aquarium looking clean. 8.
Tiger barbs: The Tiger Barb is another fantastic addition to a Blood Parrot Cichlid tank. They are an active and colorful fish species that can add a lively and playful side to the tank.
In conclusion, the Blood Parrot Cichlid requires careful attention to maintain good health and thrive. By ensuring a clean and spacious tank with proper water parameters, selected diet plan, and the right tank mates, you can provide a comfortable home for your Blood Parrot Cichlid, and enjoy their lovely characteristics for many years to come.
9) Diet and Feeding
Like all fish species, the Blood Parrot Cichlid has a natural diet that consists of protein and carbohydrates. In the wild, they feed on small crustaceans and insects.
To provide the best nutrition possible for your Blood Parrot Cichlid, it’s important to include a variety of foods into their diet. Pellets are a good staple diet for Blood Parrot Cichlids.
Be sure to choose a high-quality pellet that is specifically designed for cichlids. Pellets provide a balanced diet and can contain all the necessary nutrients to keep your fish healthy.
You should also provide fresh or frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp, which contain a rich protein source and can add variety to their diet.
It’s recommended to feed Blood Parrot Cichlids two or three times a day in small amounts that they can finish within a few minutes.
Overfeeding can cause excess waste, leading to a buildup of toxins in the water, which can lead to all sorts of health issues. Provide as much clean water as possible and avoid feeding them unhealthy snacks, especially human foods that may contain oils or processed sugars.
It’s essential to practice good food hygiene when feeding your Blood Parrot Cichlid, especially when dealing with frozen foods. By rinsing them off before feeding, you’ll ensure that the fish receive the best quality food and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
10) Breeding
Breeding Blood Parrot Cichlids is relatively easy. They tend to breed naturally in captivity as long as the right conditions are met.
However, breeding in a community tank with other species of fish can be a challenge and may require separating pairs into different breeding tanks. Viable males are essential for breeding Blood Parrot Cichlids.