These fishes are hybrid fishes of Cichlids. As they are hybrid, they tend to have a mouth that cannot be closed completely (do you know this fact)
Why need a beginner’s guide for the Blood Parrot fish? The beginner’s guide helps with the information required for the growth of the Blood Parrot. As these are hybrid fishes it is essential to know the basics to upkeep them in a home aquarium
Blood Parrot Fish – Overview
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Red Parrot fish or Blood Parrot cichlid |
| Scientific Name | Amphilophus citrinellus or Paraneetroplus synspilus |
| Habitat or Origin | They live in almost all of the world’s aquariums but they are native to Central America |
| Average Size | An adult fish can grow up to 8 inches |
| Coloration | They can be orange, red, yellow, or even greyish |
| Life Span | On average, they live for 10 years but in the ideal condition |
| Diet | Fish pellets are best for these fishes. The size of the pellets can be increased with the increasing size of fishes |
| Gender Identification | Female fishes have rounded fins whereas the male ones have pointed anal and dorsal fins |
| Behavior | They eat food with a lot of wastage. This would require extra cleaning of the tank. They will be active when they have hiding places as they feel secure |
| Compatibility | They cannot manage with aggressive fishes but can get along with peace-loving fishes like danios, tetras, angelfish, and catfish |
| Ideal Tank Conditions | One blood parrot fish can be in a 30-gallon water tank. However, with each increasing number of fish, 10 gallons can be increased. As they tend to live in school, 80 gallons or more would be better for them. They do not need any gravel in the tank. In case there is gravel, it is better to have only a quarter-inch of gravel otherwise the water might get contaminated by the leftover foods of these fishes. Bio wheel filters can be placed |
| Water Parameters | The temperature could be around 75-80 degree Fahrenheit and they would do fine with well water or RO treated water |
| Breeding | On a flat surface, females lay eggs. Later the males fertilize them. They both together protect the eggs and the fry in later days |
| Common Diseases | Black Spot disease is very common in Blood Parrot fishes. This is due to unhygienic water conditions. If the water is kept clean, this disease can be avoided. However, the treatment is dipping the infected fishes in fresh water and then in formalin. These fishes can be kept in separate tanks till they get better. Until they are in a quarantined tank, they can be treated with praziquantel. |
| Approximate Cost | They cost an average of 7 USD to 12 USD depending on the size and in southeast Asia/India they cost almost half the price |
| What to look when buying | Check if the fishes have no black spots on them. It is best to avoid such fishes as they are affected fishes |
| Species in the Market | one more variety which is available in the market are the golden parrot fishes, king kong parrot fish |
Gallery of Blood Parrot Fish
References
- “It’s The Frankenstein Monster Of The Fish World: The Blood Parrot!”. AquaFriend.com
- Su, Lynn. “Age of Aquariums”. www.taiwan-panorama.com
- Sharpe, Shirlie. “Blood Parrot”. Freshwater Aquariums
- McEwan, Michael. “Man’s Best or Worst Creation?”. Aqua Central
- “Parrot Cichlids”. www.parrotcichlids.com