Blood parrot cichlid fish are also known as bloody parrot cichlid, red parrot cichlid or red blood parrot cichlid. These are freshwater aquarium fishes with a shape like balloon. The red parrot cichlid are hybrid fishes. Due to this some of them have developed defects like small vertical mouth. Due to which they can't compete for food with other fishes and may suffer from malnutrition. So take care of it and provide them crushed food. These are basically available in red color however various other color parrot cichlids can be found in market by the use of bleach. Due to action of bleach their lifespan is decreased and it is not recommended.
Care : Moderate
Temperature : 22 to 27 degrees Celsius
Nature : semi aggressive
Lifespan : 10 years
Size : 8 - 10 inches
Breeding : egg layers ( moderate)
Difference between male and female blood parrot cichlid
Blood parrot cichlid are rounder in shape and resemble parrot to greater extent. They are fat and have bright colors which make them admirable. Many fish tank owner are eager to distinguish male from female. It is difficult to find differences between male and female blood parrot cichlids. The male blood parrot cichlid have pointed dorsal and anal fin but some of females also have this pointed fins other wise they have fan shape like fin. At the time of spawning the male may develop pink coloration at the throat and near gills area. These are some difference that can be observed in blood parrot but these may not be 100 % accurate.
These fishes can grow up to size of 10 inches so provide them large aquarium with soft substrate ( they like digging ). Provide them lots of hiding spaces in forms of plants, stones, drift wood etc. Also provide them sufficient light and the temperature. The temperature of the tank should be 22 to 27 degree Celsius. They can live up to 10 years if care is taken properly. Blood parrot cichlid can easily eat flake, pellets, other live food too. They can form beautiful community tank with tetras, danios, angelfish, severum, catfish etc. Also maintain good water quality by frequent water changes. Breeding is relatively tough as some of male blood parrot cichlid are infertile.
Tank size : 50 gallon
Care : Moderate
Temperature : 22 to 27 degrees Celsius
Nature : semi aggressive
Lifespan : 10 years
Size : 8 - 10 inches
Breeding : egg layers ( moderate)
Difference between male and female blood parrot cichlid
Blood parrot cichlid are rounder in shape and resemble parrot to greater extent. They are fat and have bright colors which make them admirable. Many fish tank owner are eager to distinguish male from female. It is difficult to find differences between male and female blood parrot cichlids. The male blood parrot cichlid have pointed dorsal and anal fin but some of females also have this pointed fins other wise they have fan shape like fin. At the time of spawning the male may develop pink coloration at the throat and near gills area. These are some difference that can be observed in blood parrot but these may not be 100 % accurate.
Breeding
Blood parrot cichlid breeding it not very tough task. The main problem in breeding parrot cichlid is that due to hybridisation some of male parrot cichlid are infertile. However this problem rarely occurs nowadays. To avoid this problem go for real breed of parrot cichlid. You can also breed female blood parrot with convict cichlid or American cichlid and can get bubble gum parrot or jelly beans. Give them protein rich food basically live food and maintain water condition at its best.These are egg layers type and gives hundreds of eggs at once. The parent will clean a site that may be rocks or cave or drift wood. Then the female parrot cichlid will lay eggs on it. The male will fertilize the eggs. The eggs which are not fertilized will turn white and may be eat by parents. Generally the parents will guard the eggs from other fish. Other fish may eat eggs of blood parrot cichlid so remove other tank mates. When the eggs will hatch the parents may protect them or may eat them too. You should keep an eye on them and take necessary action. You can give them (fry) newly hatched brine shrimps. Also protect the fry from getting sucked up by aquarium pump.