Blood parrot cichlid

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The Blood parrot (also known as bloody parrot and blood parrotfish; no binomial nomenclature) is a hybrid cichlid. The fish was first created in Taiwan in around 1986.^[1] Its parentage is unknown, but the most commonly speculated pairings are midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) with the redhead cichlid (Cichlasoma synspilum), or the severum (Heros severus) with the red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus).^[2] Blood parrots should not be confused with other parrot cichlids or salt water Parrotfish (family: Scaridae).^[3]

Because this hybrid cichlid has various anatomical deformities, controversy exists over the ethics of creating the Blood Parrot. Cichlid enthusiasts have called for their removal from the market and organized boycotts against pet stores that sell them.^[3]

Description:

Blood parrots are bright orange in coloration, but various colors may be produced by dyeing the fish, which can shorten life expectancy.^[2] The fish are injected with a colored dye by the breeder. Practical Fishkeeping has been very successful in bringing this practice to light and as a consequence, the vast majority of fish stockists will no longer sell these modified fish. The fish have several anatomical deformities, including a beak-shaped mouth that cannot fully close, which they compensate for by crushing food with the throat muscles.^[1] Blood parrots sometimes can have deformed swim bladders, causing an awkward swimming pattern; abnormal spines, contributing to the unique shape; and unusually large, and often deformed irises.^[1][4] Adult fish can grow to a length of 8–10 inches (20–25 centimeters) and reach an age of 10 years or older.^[1] Some red parrots have reached over 15 years of age.^{[citation needed]}Sweet-heart Parrot Cichlids have maroon bodies and transparent fins.

Contents 1 Habitat and diet 2 Breeding 3 In aquaria 4 References

[edit] Habitat and diet

An optimal environment for the fish is a temperature of 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0.^[1] Habitat should have an adequate amount of open space, several hiding places so the fish can create a territory, and relatively dim lighting.^[3] Blood parrots can be aggressive and its not uncommon to compete with larger cichlids such as GT's and oscars.^{[citation needed]} Blood parrots should not be keep with smaller community fish if the fish can fit in a blood parrots mouth, since the blood parrot will eat smaller fish.^[3] Blood parrots can eat a variety of foods, including chopped beef heart, flakes, pellets, and bloodworms, and earthworms.^[4]They are very peaceful, and may be kept with tiger oscars and other peaceful and semi-aggressive cichlids. Small quick moving fish are ideal also since this fish is not fast or powerful enough to hunt down other fish. Fish as small as platies may be kept with parrots be as they are incapable of catching or even biting them. However each Blood parrot is different, adjust tankmates accordingly.

[edit] Breeding

Male blood parrots generally are infertile, but successful breeding has occurred.^[1] Normally, a female blood parrot lays eggs on a hard surface, and both parents guard the eggs until the brood develops fungus, at which time the eggs will be consumed by either the parents or other fish.^[1] However, fish farms have begun introducing male blood parrots injected with a hormone to increase fertility.^[1]

[edit] In aquaria

Blood parrots are hardy and may be housed by enthusiasts singly, in schools, or with complementary species under a variety of conditions. Sufficient lighting can be provided by a variety of compact fluorescent lamps without the use of T5 or halide fixtures. The fish are voracious eaters and generate significant uneaten debris during feeding. High volume filtration and frequent substrate suctioning is recommended to minimize nitrates.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References