Blood Parrot Cichlid Cross (Ornamental Fish for Aquarium)

The Blood Parrot Cichlid Cross

The blood parrot cichlid cross is a popular ornamental fish in the aquarium trade.

• As a result of the hybridization of the parent species, the fish have several anatomical deformities, including a beak-shaped mouth which is unable to close fully. This is compensated for by crushing food with the throat muscles (a deformed nuchal, and compressed vertebrae).
• Blood parrots sometimes can have deformed swim bladders, causing an awkward swimming pattern; and unusually large, and often deformed irises.

Aquarium

• For breeding, the female blood parrot lays eggs on a hard surface and both parents guard the eggs.
• Blood parrots are quite hardy species and can be housed singly, in schools or with complementary species under a variety of conditions.
• The fish are voracious eaters and generate significant uneaten debris during feeding. High volume filtration and frequent substrate suctioning is recommended to minimize debris buildup.
• They are often very shy in the aquarium and therefore they require hiding spots. These hiding spots make them feel more secure, more likely to adapt, and become more active in the new aquarium setup if they know where to hide if needed.

Tank Conditions

In order to keep your fish healthy, make sure you have a tank with plenty of room for them to move and search for food. There should be low to moderate water movement and a good amount of light. Keep the water itself as stable as possible to avoid stressing your fish; however, the ornamental fishes are hardy and will tolerate change better than other fish.

• Temperature: 65-72°F
• pH: 6.0-8.0
• Hardness 5 – 19 dGH
• For substrate, most will work for these fish. Medium size gravel is best as it allows them to sift through the gravel and find bits of leftover food and other materials.
• Having a good filtration system is important as these fish are incredibly messy. Frequent water changes are also important to the water clean and the fish healthy.
• If you wish to introduce more fish, kindly add goldfish or koi to your tank. These fishes all have the same attitude and temperament. They also have the same general colors with lots of variation which makes them look great together.