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Blood Red Parrot Cichlid

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Scientific Name : none, a Hybrid Cichlid

Common Names : Blood Red Parrot, Bloody Parrot

Care Level : Moderate

Size : 8″ (20 cm)

pH : 6.5 – 7.0

Temperature :72-82F (22-28C)

Lifespan : about 10 years

Origin / Habitat : Man-made, not present in Nature, but Parents are South American Cichlids

Temperament / Behavior : Peaceful

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : Males are usually infertile. Can be bred with Midas, Severum and Convict Cichlids.Egg layer, open Breeder.

Tank Size : Minimum 42 gallons, additional 10 gallons for each thereafter.

Compatible Tank Mates : non aggressive fish species.

Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease

Diet / Fish Food : omnivore, see above for more details.

Tank Region : Bottom- mid dweller

Gender : Even for experts, it is nearly impossible to sex them. Usually the only way is by dissection, or if they happen to lay eggs (an unlikely occurrence).

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Here is an odd ball man made Hybrid that has stirred quite a bit of controversy in the fish world but has gained a huge popularity with many. Whether you approve of hybrid fish or not, these wonderful fish are here to stay. They are very compatable for a community tank as they are peaceful, curious and they interact well with their fish keepers once they get to know you. Blood Red Parrot fish should not be confused with the true Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus Psittacus) or the Salt Water Parrot (Callyodon Fasciatus).

When choosing Blood Red Parrot fish you will notice that the baby Parrots are very dark with stripes. As they start to grow they change color quickly from dark to a mottled black and orange to a true solid Orange. This happens very quickly within the first four months.

History

First created in Tiawan in the 1980’s it was believed to be a cross between a male midas cichlid and a female red head cichlid but since then there have been many variations to include, Red Devil and Gold and Green Severums and lately to include the convict cichlid pairing as well.You can recognise the blood red parrot at first sight due to the unique traits this fish possesses. Its beak like head and mouth and round body with large eyes are characteristic of this fish. Their mouths do not close but stay open in a perpetual “O” shape. Their teeth are far down their throats so they pretty much bump into each other but cannot bite and are no match for an aggressive fish due to this deformity produced during breeding.

Behavior

BR Parrots are a shy fish that is timid but will acclimate to a community tank very nicely. They learn to recognise their owners and will come to the front of the tank to greet them. They do love to have their own clay pots or caves to hide in and I would recommend caves in their tanks. They seem to have so much fun swimming in and out of the caves. I find these fish to be very playful and they interact very well with each other and with dither fish as they swim around the tank. I would recommend them for anyone with a tank large enough who would like a peaceful set up with active fish.

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