Blood parrot cichlid is also known as parrot cichlid. The scientifically this fish is name as Amphilophus citrinellus x Vieja melanurus. This fish native of Taiwan in 1986 and belongs to the family of Cichlid. Blood parrot cichlid is a hybrid fish and don’t confuse with salt water parrotfish.
It’s a fresh water hybrid specie breed form the mix of Central American Cichilds. Many research has been done on this particular specie, some of them are listed below.
- Midas cichlid: scientifically known as Amphilophus citrinellus
- Redhead cichlid: scientifically known as Vieja melanurus
- Red devil cichlid: scientifically known as Amphilophus labiatus
| Scientific name | Amphilophus citrinellus x Vieja melanurus |
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Tank parameters | 30 gallon |
| Temperature | 72-82 F |
Appearance of Blood parrot cichlid
Blood parrot cichlid are known for their vibrant colors, naturally they have red, yellow and grey color. This fish is usually bright orange in color and many breeders injected their own choice of color. It is also said that many colors a produced by dying the fish, but this can lessen their life span. The interesting fact here is that some breeders modifies this fish by cutting its tail which gives them the heart shape. The sell under the name of heart parrot.
Moreover, this parrot cichlid is from the family of cichlid. This fish is not considered an ideal for beginners, because of its varoius health issues. Moreover, when it comes to its size blood parrod cichlid is 8 inches (20 cm) long in length somehow slightly bigger that a soft ball . Many people confuse blood parrod cichlid with other parrod cichlid. But they can differentiate by their vibrant colors. They prefer to swim in middle level of water in aquarium.
Characteristics of Blood Parrot Cichlid
Blood parrot cichlid is known for its four main characteristics:
- Shape: have rounded and balloon like shape, have large eyes and small mouth.
- Mouth: their mouth is not fully closed which gives them the smiling appearance.
- Behaviour: this is a peaceful fish and demands care.
- Hybrid: this fish is a originate from mix of Central American Cichilds.
Tank Parameters Of Blood Parrot Cichlid
Blood parrot cichlid generally not a beginner fish, it’s a man made fish. Moreover, this can live in wide range of water temerature. They prefer to live in warm and slightly acidic water, in stable environment. However, the ideal tank size to keep the group is 30 gallon for three fish 55 gallon is prefer. It is suggested that for 5-6 fish75 gallon tank should be use.
Temperature or pH level
Blood parrot cichlid are originate from Tiawan, they can live in slightly acidic water. Moreover, the ideal consider pH level for water is 6.5-8.0 with the temperature of 72-82 degree fahrenhiets.
However, they should be keep in planted aquarium because they cannot dig and harm plants. For maintaining water conditions, change water daily for stability of water. Make sure to use good quality water filters in aquarium to keep your sensitive fish safe. Because of their health issues, the tank should be clean, well maintained, with slightly acidic water.
Feeding
Blood parrot cichlid are somehow difficult to feed. Because of their small mouth which cannot open and close too much. Aquarist struggle for the right food, they have to carefully feed them. They should be feed with food which can be easy swallowed by them, feed them baby pellets to juveniles and mini pellets to adults. They also prefer to have floating pellets that they can easily swallow. The special food is prepare for blood carrot contains color enhancing ingredients.
Breeding
Howerver, male blood parrod cichlid are infertile, so aquarist find it hard to breed them at home. Moreover, females can lay eggs and guarding them. They pair with any Central American cichlid, but the offspring lack in appearance and natural vibrant colors like blood parrot cichlid.
Conclusion
Blood parrot cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus x Vieja melanurus), native of Taiwan. It is an hybrid freshwater aquarium fish from the family of Cichlid. However, it is an vibrant color fish, and hard to breed at home. They demand care in their feed and breed. With the wide range of water temperature, well maintain environment they can thrive in home aquarium set up. It is large size, peaceful, and become aggressive while breeding , but brings charm and elegance in tanks. Moreover, with proper care, good tank conditions, and proper feed, they can live, healthy, and happy.