Home > Library > Species Spotlight > Aquatic > Freshwater Aquarium > Freshwater Fish > Cichlid Family > Blood Parrot Cichlid (Hybrid)
Scientific Name: Amphilophus Citrinellus x Paraneetroplus Synspilus
Common Names: Blood Parrot Cichlid, Parrot Cichlid, Jellybean Cichlid
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Care Level: Moderate
Life Span: 10-15 years
Species Overview and Background:
- The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a hybrid fish that was first discovered in Taiwan in the 1980s. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is believed to be a cross between the Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus Citrinellus) and the Redhead Cichlid (Paraneetroplus Synspilus).
- This hybrid species is not found in the wild as it is a product of selective breeding in captivity. Blood Parrot Cichlids have gained popularity due to their unique appearance and interesting behaviour.
- In their natural habitat, these fish would typically be found in Central America, particularly in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. They are often found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and ponds with sandy or muddy bottoms.
- Blood Parrot Cichlids are generally peaceful, but they can become territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding. They may display aggressive behaviour towards smaller fish or if they feel threatened.
- In the aquarium hobby, Blood Parrot Cichlids were introduced in the late 1980s. Their unique appearance and vibrant colours quickly made them popular among hobbyists. They are now widely available in the pet trade.
- Blood Parrot Cichlids have become famous primarily because of their unusual shape and bright colours. Their rounded body, beak-like mouth, and vibrant hues make them stand out in any aquarium.
General Water Parameters:
- pH Range: 6.5-7.5
- Temperature Range: 25-28°C (77-82°F)
- GH Range: 4-10
- KH Range: 2-5
- TDS Range: 150-300 ppm
Colour & Appearance:
- Blood Parrot Cichlids have a distinctive appearance. They have a rounded body shape and a large, beak-like mouth. Their colours can vary and include shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Some individuals may also exhibit marbling or speckling patterns. The size of adult Blood Parrot Cichlids can range from 15 to 20 centimetres (6 to 8 inches).
Care and Requirements:
- Blood Parrot Cichlids are relatively demanding when it comes to their care requirements. They need a well-maintained aquarium with stable water conditions.
- Provide a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots and territories. Decorate the tank with caves, rocks, and driftwood to create hiding places and territorial boundaries.
- These fish are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. A balanced diet should consist of high-quality pellets or flakes, supplemented with occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
- Blood Parrot Cichlids are hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, it is important to maintain good water quality to prevent health issues. Regular water changes and filtration are essential.
- They are active during the day and enjoy exploring their environment. While they may spend some time hiding in caves or among the decorations, they will also swim actively throughout the tank.
Diet:
- Blood Parrot Cichlids are omnivorous and have a hearty appetite. They will readily accept a variety of commercially available cichlid pellets or flakes as the staple diet.
It is recommended to supplement their diet with live or frozen foods to provide additional nutrition. Offer them occasional treats such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and chopped vegetables like peas or spinach.
- Blood Parrot Cichlids may also feed on microorganisms and biofilm that naturally occur in the aquarium. This can contribute to their overall diet and provide them with additional foraging opportunities.
Tank Setup:
- Blood Parrot Cichlids prefer a spacious aquarium with a minimum tank size of 75 gallons (284 litres) for a single individual. If you plan to keep a group, a larger tank is recommended to accommodate their territorial behaviour. A tank size of 125 gallons (473 litres) or more is ideal for a small group of Blood Parrot Cichlids.
- Provide a substrate of fine sand or small-grained gravel to replicate their natural habitat. The substrate should be gentle on their sensitive mouths and allow them to sift through it.
- Incorporate plenty of hiding spots and caves in the tank using rocks, PVC pipes, or specially designed aquarium decorations. This will create territories and safe spaces for each individual fish.
- Blood Parrot Cichlids appreciate the addition of plants in their tank but be mindful that they may uproot or nibble on delicate plants. Hardy and robust species like Anubias, Java Fern, or Vallisneria can be suitable choices.
- Maintain a moderate water flow in the aquarium. While these fish can tolerate some water movement, they generally prefer calmer conditions. A gentle filtration system and strategically placed decorations can help achieve a suitable water flow.
Compatibility and Tankmates:
- Blood Parrot Cichlids can be kept with other semi-aggressive or similarly sized fish that can hold their ground. Avoid housing them with very small or delicate species that may become targets of aggression.
- Suitable tankmates for Blood Parrot Cichlids include other cichlids such as Severums, Firemouth Cichlids, or Convict Cichlids. Non-aggressive species like Silver Dollars, Giant Danios, or Rainbowfish can also be compatible.
- Be cautious when mixing them with other Blood Parrot Cichlids, as their territorial nature may lead to aggression. If keeping multiple Blood Parrot Cichlids, provide ample hiding spots and monitor their interactions closely.
Sexing:
- Sexing Blood Parrot Cichlids can be challenging, as they do not display significant sexual dimorphism. However, there are a few subtle indicators that can help determine their sex.
- Males are often larger and have a more pronounced hump on their forehead. They may also develop more intense coloration, particularly during breeding. Females, on the other hand, tend to be slightly smaller and have a less prominent forehead hump.
Breeding:
- Blood Parrot Cichlids can be bred in captivity, although successful breeding may vary. They are known to exhibit unique breeding behaviours and have been bred by hobbyists with varying degrees of success.
- Provide a spacious breeding tank with suitable hiding spots and flat surfaces for spawning, such as flat rocks or ceramic tiles. The water parameters should be within their preferred range, with a slightly higher temperature around 28-30°C (82-86°F).
- Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live and frozen foods to encourage spawning behaviour. The female will lay eggs on the chosen surface, while the male will fertilize them. After spawning, the parents will guard and care for the eggs.
- Once the fry hatch, they can be fed finely crushed flakes or specialized fry food. The parents may continue to care for the fry for some time, but eventually, they may need to be separated to prevent predation.
Breeding Blood Parrot Cichlids can be a rewarding but challenging endeavour. It's important to note that due to their hybrid nature, breeding Blood Parrot Cichlids may not always result in viable offspring. Additionally, their unique shape and mouth structure can sometimes make natural reproduction difficult or even impossible. Therefore, some hobbyists may resort to artificial methods such as hormone treatments or hand stripping to collect and incubate the eggs.
Additional Considerations:
- When introducing Blood Parrot Cichlids to a new aquarium, it's important to acclimate them slowly to the new water parameters. Float their bag in the aquarium for about 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature to equalize, then gradually add small amounts of the aquarium water to the bag over the course of an hour before releasing them.
- Regular water testing and maintenance are crucial to ensure optimal health and well-being for your Blood Parrot Cichlids. Monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels, and pH regularly, and perform water changes as needed to maintain stable and clean water conditions.
- Blood Parrot Cichlids are susceptible to certain diseases and parasites, such as ich (white spot disease) and fin rot. Ensure that the water quality is consistently high, and quarantine any new fish before introducing them to the main aquarium to prevent the spread of potential illnesses.
- While Blood Parrot Cichlids can be kept in a community tank, it's important to monitor their behaviour and make adjustments if any signs of aggression or stress are observed. Providing adequate hiding spots and territories can help alleviate potential conflicts.
- Avoid keeping Blood Parrot Cichlids with overly aggressive or fin-nipping species, as their delicate mouths and fins can make them vulnerable to injuries.
- Remember that Blood Parrot Cichlids are a hybrid species and do not occur naturally in the wild. There is ongoing debate within the aquarium community about the ethics of breeding and keeping hybrid fish. It's important to support responsible breeding practices and consider the welfare of the fish when making purchasing decisions.
In conclusion, the Blood Parrot Cichlid is a unique and eye-catching hybrid fish that has gained popularity in the aquarium hobby due to its distinctive appearance. With proper care and attention to their specific needs, Blood Parrot Cichlids can thrive and provide an interesting focal point in your aquarium. Ensure suitable tank setup, provide a balanced diet, and monitor their interactions with tankmates to create a harmonious and thriving aquatic environment for these fascinating fish.