Blood Parrot

The Blood parrot Cichlid is a hybrid variety crossbred from Amphilophus and Vieja Cichlids. Originally created in Taiwan in the late 80’s. A bright orange fish with other varieties in yellow, white and red, grey striped, and platinum coloration. The Blood Parrot Cichlid typically get to a size of 8 inches. Larger varieties exist such as the King Kong Parrot that exhibit different traits. The King Kong Parrots generally grow to a larger size of 10+ inches and grow a Nuchal hump on the head making them a more desirable fish. The King Kong Parrots are higher in value and rarer to obtain.

Due to the hybridization of the fish genetic deformities can occur which is why all of our Blood Parrots at Petzone are hand picked for best body structure. Typical issues that occur are beak shaped mouths that do not close and swim bladder issues. However these type of Blood Parrots are used in the grooming of another valuable hybrid cichlid known as the Flowerhorn . The grooming process involves putting a Blood Parrot with a beak shaped mouth with a Flowerhorn for 15 minutes two times a day. The Blood Parrot with a beak shaped mouth cannot bite the Flowerhorn allowing it to act out its natural aggression without causing injury to each of the fish. This form of confidence boosting is useful in creating a well developed fish. It is also useful in testing the fertility of the Flowerhorn as female Blood Parrots tend to be fertile in contrary to the males which tend to be infertile due to hybridization. Cichlids of this nature exhibit unique breeding behavior with both parents being a crucial aspect of the process. Generally a female will lay a clutch of eggs onto a rock or similar hard surface. Once the eggs are fertilized the female will stay above the eggs fanning them to keep off waste and prevent fungus. While the female tends to the eggs the male will guard her to ensure no predators eat the eggs. If the eggs do spoil or grow fungus the parents will eat the eggs to retain the nutrition for future breeding.

Blood Parrots are hardy fish that do well in Cichlid communities and species only tanks. Their bright orange/ red color bring a unique and different look to a Cichlid tank. Apart from their look the Blood Parrots have a bubbly personality and often times get acquainted to their keepers making them a great fish for the involved enthusiasts. Cichlids by nature create territories for comfort and appreciate a variety of rocks and hiding places to call home. As a hybrid of Central and South American Cichlids they appreciate warmer alkaline water that is hard for best health. Over the years the Blood Parrot has become a staple fish that carry more stable genetics.