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The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a hybrid freshwater fish, intentionally bred by crossing the Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) and the Redhead Cichlid (Heros severus). This hybridization results in a distinctive, often controversial, appearance characterized by a rounded body, large eyes, and a unique, often deformed, mouth structure that prevents it from fully closing. They are known for their vibrant coloration, typically ranging from bright orange to red, though other color morphs exist. Due to their hybrid nature, they do not occur naturally in the wild and are exclusively found in captivity, primarily in the aquarium trade. Their behavior is generally peaceful for a cichlid, but they can exhibit territoriality, especially during breeding attempts.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- rounded
- Colorazione
- Predominantly bright orange to red, but can also be yellow, white, or marbled. Some individuals may have black markings that can fade or intensify with age and mood. The intensity of color is often enhanced by diet.
- Tipo di squame
- ctenoid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Protruding, often deformed, mouth that cannot fully close, giving them a 'pouting' appearance., Large, prominent eyes., Rounded, somewhat compressed body shape., Absence of a nuchal hump, which is common in their Midas Cichlid parent., Often have a black spot or markings that can appear and disappear.
- Pinna dorsale
- Long and continuous, extending along most of the back, typically with soft rays.
- Pinna caudale
- Rounded to slightly emarginate.
- Pinna pettorale
- Well-developed and fan-shaped.
- Pinne distintive
- All fins are generally proportionate to the body, lacking any exaggerated extensions.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Mouth Structure
The most defining characteristic is their small, triangular mouth that cannot fully close, giving them a perpetually 'pouting' or 'smiling' expression. This is a key differentiator from their parent species.
Body Shape
They possess a distinctly rounded, almost balloon-like body, which is more compact and less elongated than either the Midas Cichlid or the Redhead Cichlid.
Coloration
While variable, the vibrant orange to red coloration is highly characteristic. True Midas Cichlids can be orange, but often have more elongated bodies and a nuchal hump. Redhead Cichlids (Heros severus) typically have a more subdued, greenish-brown base color with vertical bars.
Nuchal Hump
Unlike the Midas Cichlid, which often develops a prominent nuchal hump (a fatty lump on the forehead) as it matures, the Blood Parrot Cichlid typically lacks this feature.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- freshwater
- Profondità
- Not applicable as they are captive-bred.
- Ambiente
- Aquarium environments with ample hiding spots, open swimming areas, and stable water parameters. They prefer planted tanks (though they may uproot plants) and areas with driftwood and rocks.
- Areale geografico
- Exclusively captive-bred; no natural wild population. Originates from Taiwan through selective breeding.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: semi-aggressive
- Dieta: omnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 75 gallons (280 liters) for a single adult, larger for groups
- Temperatura: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
- Livello di pH: 6.5-7.5
- Durezza: 4-18 dGH
- Compatibilità: Can be kept with other similarly sized, semi-aggressive to peaceful cichlids, large tetras, plecos, and other robust community fish. Avoid very small or overly aggressive tank mates.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-filtered tank with plenty of open swimming space and hiding spots (caves, driftwood, rocks). Substrate should be sand or fine gravel. Due to their mouth structure, they can be messy eaters, necessitating good filtration and regular water changes. They are sensitive to poor water quality. While they may attempt to breed, their hybrid nature often results in infertile offspring.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Not applicable as they are captive-bred.
- Prezzo di mercato: Varies widely based on size, color, and locality, typically $15-$50 USD per fish.
- Importanza commerciale: high
- Sapore: Not typically consumed due to their primary role as ornamental fish.
- Consistenza: Not typically consumed due to their primary role as ornamental fish.
- Valore nutrizionale: Not typically consumed due to their primary role as ornamental fish.
Fatti chiave
Hybrid Origininteresting
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a man-made hybrid, first bred in Taiwan in the 1980s, and does not exist in the wild.
Mouth Deformitybehavior
Their distinctive mouth structure, which prevents them from fully closing their mouth, is a result of their hybridization and can make feeding challenging, requiring specific food types.
Color Enhancementinteresting
Some Blood Parrot Cichlids are artificially dyed to enhance their color, a practice that is controversial and can be harmful to the fish.
Infertile Offspringbehavior
While Blood Parrot Cichlids may pair up and lay eggs, the resulting offspring are almost always infertile due to their hybrid genetics.
Longevityrecord
With proper care, Blood Parrot Cichlids can live for 10 to 15 years in an aquarium setting.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: not recommended
- Note sul maneggio: Blood Parrot Cichlids are not venomous. However, like all cichlids, they can deliver a painful bite if handled carelessly, especially larger specimens. Their teeth are small but sharp. Use a net for transfer and avoid direct hand contact. They can be stressed by excessive handling.
Specie simili
Midas Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus
More elongated body, typically develops a nuchal hump in mature males, and has a normal, fully closing mouth. While it can be orange, its body shape and mouth are distinct.
Redhead Cichlid
Heros severus
More elongated and compressed body, typically greenish-brown with vertical bars, and a normal, fully closing mouth. Lacks the vibrant orange/red coloration and rounded body of the Blood Parrot.
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Various Amphilophus and Cichlasoma hybrids
Also a hybrid, but typically has a much more pronounced nuchal hump, a more elongated body, and a normal mouth. Their coloration and patterning are also distinct, often with elaborate black markings.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Cichliformes
- Famiglia
- Cichlidae
- Genere
- Amphilophus × Heros
- Specie
- citrinellus × severus
Esplora Blood Parrot Cichlid
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