Blood parrots are gorgeous fish with exciting personalities. They’re not the easiest cichlids to keep, but they make great aquatic pets if you already have experience in this area!
This beautiful, rare, and interesting variation can be added to any tank of yours – whether it’s the single-species type or community tanks!
My short article below is a Blood Parrot Cichlid care guide – it reviews all the info you need to set up a Blood Parrot Cichlid tank. From making the proper setup to choosing the suitable tank mates, whatever you need is here.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Facts
In the wild, Blood Parrots are not found. But this crossbreed was first created in Taiwan around 1986, possibly from a mix of Redhead Cichlids and Midas Cichlids – two popular Cichlids species with reddish or golden coloration.
Actually, the original species used to create the Blood Parrot Cichlid are not surely known.
Whatever the case might be, these fish are still uncommon in the aquarium trade. Moreover, because of the debate regarding this fish’s creation, many shops decline to market them at all!
Nonetheless, the attitude towards this fish has changed a lot in the last couple of years.
You can undoubtedly locate healthy Blood Parrot Cichlids to increase. Healthy specimen make distinctive and attractive additions to any type of tank!
Blood Parrot Cichlid Lifespan
An expected lifespan of a healthy Blood Parrot Cichlid is between 10 and 15 years.
It can be a little bit difficult to determine the life expectancy of this fish. Their overall health greatly depends upon exactly how they are raised.
The breeder’s practices can affect their lifespan dramatically too. For example, some fish are genetically changed, and such alterations tend to substantially shorten life expectancy in some cases.
But if you desire a Blood Parrot Cichlid that may live as long as feasible, then stick with trusted breeders or sellers who don’t practice these types of alterations.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Habits
I have four Blood Parrot Cichlids in a tank with a Tiger Oscar, and I observed them as semi-aggressive types.
I’ll admit that these guys can get pretty territorial sometimes- but only when they’re around other aggressive fish like themselves.
If you maintain them in an overcrowded aquarium, though? They’ll have a tendency to be a little bit extra-territorial too.
You can keep them by themselves, in teams, or in a community of appropriate tank mates.
They can be pretty reluctant and will usually hide among the plants as well as decorations.
They will be much more active in your aquarium if they know that they have these hiding spots available.
The majority of their time is spent in the middle levels of the tank, and in some cases, they will head lower down and begin digging the substrate, trying to find food.
They will likely leave a mess behind them when they eat, which will need additional cleaning.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Appearance
They are stunning fish with a bright orange coloration to take on some of the most vivid fish around.
The shade can be solid across the body; however, it is commonly broken up by other colors (generally white) spots.
Various other shades have been reproduced, such as red and yellow. Dyes are often used to generate more color ranges, but this lowers the life expectancy of the fish.
Males and women are almost similar; nevertheless, males are a little bigger.
When young, some have their tails reduced to look like a heart form. They are known as Heart Cichlids.
The hybridization of the moms and dad varieties has created a genetic defect where they cannot completely close their mouths. As a result, their teeth remain in their throat, which they constrict to squash up food.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Size
Their size varies depending on gender. Adult males can grow up to 8 inches long, while females only measure 6 or 7 compact centimeters (not including their pectoral fins).
In exceptional circumstances where conditions are right for them, these fish could reach lengths over 10 inches – though rare as they may sound!
In addition to being much shorter, ladies also have an even more, round/plump body.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Care
Usually, Blood Parrot Cichlid care is something that I suggest for aquarists with an intermediate level of experience.
Since they have some unique demands, you’ll need to comply with them if you desire to maintain them flourishing and healthy.
With the appropriate knowledge, you can assist your Blood Parrot Cichlids in reaching their full potential.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Tank Size
The minimum aquarium tank size for one Blood Parrot Cichlid is 20 gallons. These fish are active and also need sufficient area to swim.
For every extra Blood Parrot Cichlid you include, increase the tank’s volume by about 10 gallons.
Of course, more giant tanks are constantly welcome. However, many aquarists like to keep a small team of these fish together – as I did. In such a case, opt for a tank that’s 60 gallons or larger.
Water Specifications
What’s the best way to keep your fish healthy? Setting up their water parameters with an appreciation for what they are used to in nature.
However, since Blood Parrot Cichlids are hybrid fish bred by breeders without any wild habitat, the best technique is to seek the moms and dad breed.
Much more significantly, fishkeepers tend to version water specifications for the Midas Cichlid. This fish resides in warm rivers in Central America.
Blood Parrot Cichlids prefer little acidic waters that are warm all year round. Use the following specifications to maintain your aquarium comfortable for these fish to stay in:
- Water temperature: 76 ° F to 80 ° F
- pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- Water hardness: 6 to 18 DGH
It is crucial to examine the water regularly. When you initially have these fish, I suggest doing this a little bit a lot more often.
How To Make Their Ideal Home
You can pick to opt for a natural style aquascaping or something a bit extra fabricated. These fish do fine in any case!
That claimed, there are still some fundamentals you require to cover.
The most vital thing to have in the tank is hiding places. Produce several hiding locations out of driftwood, plant pots, and also rocks.
When making your aquarium, it’s essential to strike a good balance between an open swimming area and plenty of hiding places. As the fish gets more comfortable, they’ll spend more time swimming exposed.
A sand substrate is also advised. Like various other Cichlid species, these fish are recognized to dig. Hard crushed rock might cause physical injuries, which can lead to a lot more significant issues gradually.
Many Blood Parrot Cichlid keepers use red spectrum light. However, soft conventional lights work well, also.
To keep the water conditions in good shape, purchase a high-volume filtration system. Unfortunately, these fish produce a great deal of waste, which might swiftly sour the water and create stress-related diseases.
Related post: 10 Best 55 Gallon Aquarium Filters
Blood Parrot Cichlid Diseases
Blood Parrot Cichlids are equally as susceptible to illness as any type of other freshwater fish. The most typical for this crossbreed species are Ich and swim bladder illness.
Ich is a transmittable condition that frequently influences fish living in poor water conditions. It causes tiny white spots to create around the fish’s body.
Dealing with Ich isn’t as well challenging. After relocating the fish to a quarantine tank, you can use over-the-counter drugs or treat the illness naturally with higher temperature levels.
To avoid Ich:
- Make sure that you’re checking water parameters consistently.
- Keep In Mind, Blood Parrot Cichlids generate a great deal of waste.
- Change half of the water every two weeks to keep parameters levels steady.
Swim bladder condition is another typical ailment. It often tends to affect Blood Parrot Cichlids frequently. Some fish even have actually deformed swim bladders due to genetic defects.
The swim bladder is a key regulator of fish buoyancy, so it’s no surprise that problems with this organ can lead to the afflicted being unable or unwilling to swim around their tank.
Like Ich, there are several different treatments for various degrees of illness. Nevertheless, there are situations in which the swim bladder is wholly changed, creating a lifelong obstacle for the fish.
If you notice anything unusual about your freshwater aquarium dwellers, then don’t hesitate – take action quickly before any permanent damage occurs!
Blood Parrot Cichlid Diet
Choosing the appropriate Blood Parrot Cichlid food isn’t difficult. These fish are omnivores that will conveniently allow most commercial foods.
A dry food formulated for Cichlids is your best bet. However, it is better to stick with sinking pellets, as they usually have difficulties consuming from the water surface. But I made my Blood Parrots are habituated with floating foods.
For a high-protein treat, you can offer up some saltwater shrimp and bloodworms every now and then (2-3 times a week max).
For their distinct mouths, Blood Parrot Cichlids are bad eaters. Often, food will leave their mouths as they try to swallow it!
Do not overfeed; only once a day is fair enough. Also, make sure that food leftovers don’t hamper the water quality.
Blood Parrot Cichlid Tank Mates
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a fish that loves the company of others from the same species. They often school and can be very social.
The bigger they get, the more schooling behavior occurs among them, too. When kept in teams, the fish often tend to be extra confident – this means less stress on all concerned!
Nonetheless, Blood Parrot Cichlids additionally make fantastic community fish! Avoid any little fish or tiny invertebrates that are small enough to be their food.
Here are some excellent Blood Parrot Cichlid tank mates to consider.
Yoyo Loach, Gourami, Silver Buck Fish, Emperor Tetra, Firemouth Cichlid, Kribensis Cichlid, Tiger Barb Plecos.
Breeding
It turns out that there are some very unusual circumstances behind the breeding of these fish. Unlike many other types of aquarium pets, Blood Parrot Cichlids usually can not be bred in captivity.
No, while ladies lay eggs, they’re not fed by males – that’s because many male Blood Parrot Cichlids are infertile.
Breeders are starting to use hormonal agents to make males more productive, yet it’s still unusual to see two Blood Parrot Cichlids breed in captivity.
If you’re lucky adequate to have a healthy pair, the lady will usually lay eggs on a smooth surface. Both fish will, after that, shield the eggs very sincerely and allow no other to come nearby. That is, nonetheless, unless the eggs create fungus. When this happens, the parents will swallow the eggs.
Female Blood Parrot Cichlids can often breed with various other Cichlid species. Though, numerous fish enthusiasts try to avoid this since it will lead to another hybrid variety.
Final Words
Now that you have a better understanding of the Blood Parrot Cichlid care guide.
I know for many aquarists, the thought of owning a crossbreed fish is something they can never ever do. And a few months ago, I would certainly concur with them!
These days lots of Blood Parrot Cichlids come from well-respected who do things the best way. That’s what has started to change the assumption of this fish in the last few years.
I really enjoy keeping them in my aquarium – they are happy and jolly creatures!
When it comes to your choices, there’s no right or wrong answer. If you choose not to have them, that’s totally great.
If you have any further questions, I will be delighted to answer.
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I have a blood parrot cichlids that has a large bulbous froth that the eggs cling too. The eggs eventually fall off of it but it never goes away. She eats great, she is super active and social, her color is gorgeous. So I’m not sure what to do, how to help her or what it is. I have photos but I have not been able to find anything on the web that relates to my situation? Do you have any ideas?
Hi Buffy
This problem is unknown to me, but you could have introduced a male partner to her, and let’s see what happens.