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Blood Parrot Cichlid

Maneggiare con cura

Amphilophus citrinellus x Paraneetroplus synspilus

Conosciuto anche come: Parrot Cichlid, Bloody Parrot, Keeled Parrot Cichlid

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Descrizione

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a hybrid freshwater fish, intentionally bred by crossing the Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) and the Redhead Cichlid (Paraneetroplus synspilus, formerly Vieja synspila). This hybridization results in a fish with a distinctive, often deformed, mouth structure that cannot fully close, and a vibrant coloration. They are known for their robust body, often lacking a full caudal fin, and their generally peaceful yet territorial nature within an aquarium setting. Due to their hybrid nature, they do not exist in the wild and are exclusively captive-bred.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
rounded
Colorazione
Typically bright orange, red, or yellow. Some variations include marbled patterns or 'King Kong' parrots which are larger and more intensely colored. Color can fade with stress or poor diet.
Tipo di squame
ctenoid
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Protruding, V-shaped mouth that cannot fully close, giving them a 'beak-like' appearance., Large, rounded body shape., Often have a deformed or absent caudal fin, leading to an unusual swimming motion., Large eyes relative to their head size., Nuchal hump may develop on mature males, though less pronounced than in some parent species.
Pinna dorsale
Long, continuous dorsal fin, often with a slight dip in the middle.
Pinna caudale
Often truncated or deformed, leading to an inefficient swimming style.
Pinna pettorale
Well-developed and used for propulsion and maneuvering.
Pinne distintive
Anal fin is typically long and extends towards the caudal peduncle.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Mouth Structure

The most defining characteristic is the small, V-shaped mouth that cannot fully close, giving them a perpetually 'pouting' or 'smiling' appearance. This is a key differentiator from their parent species.

Body Shape and Coloration

Their robust, rounded body and vibrant orange to red coloration are highly characteristic. While some cichlids can be orange, the combination with the mouth and body shape is unique to the Blood Parrot.

Caudal Fin

Many Blood Parrots exhibit a shortened or malformed caudal fin, which affects their swimming ability and is a common trait of the hybrid.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
freshwater
Profondità
Not applicable (aquarium species).
Ambiente
Aquarium environments with ample hiding spots, open swimming areas, and stable water parameters.
Areale geografico
Exclusively captive-bred; no natural geographic range.

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 large, semi-aggressive cichlids or robust community fish that can tolerate their size and occasional territoriality. Avoid very small or fin-nipping species. Examples include larger tetras, plecos, and other medium to large cichlids.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-filtered tank with plenty of hiding spots (caves, driftwood, rocks) and open swimming areas. 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 prone to digestive issues if not fed appropriate foods. They are also known to rearrange tank decor.

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 intensity, and specific lineage, typically ranging from $15 to $100+
  • Importanza commerciale: high
  • Sapore: Not typically consumed due to their role as ornamental fish and hybrid nature.
  • Consistenza: Not applicable.
  • Valore nutrizionale: Not applicable.

Fatti chiave

Hybrid Origininteresting

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a man-made hybrid, not found in nature. It was first bred in Taiwan in the 1980s.

Mouth Deformitybehavior

Their distinctive mouth structure, which cannot fully close, is a result of their hybridization and can lead to difficulties in feeding and defense.

Color Enhancement Controversyinteresting

Some Blood Parrot Cichlids are artificially dyed or 'tattooed' to enhance their color, a practice widely condemned by ethical aquarists.

Sterile Offspringevolution

While Blood Parrot Cichlids may pair up and even lay eggs, the offspring are almost always sterile due to their hybrid genetics.

Personalitybehavior

Despite their aggressive lineage, Blood Parrots are often described as having a 'dog-like' personality, recognizing their owners and interacting with them.

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 possess sharp spines in their dorsal and anal fins and can deliver a painful bite if handled carelessly, especially larger specimens. Use a net for transfer and avoid direct contact with hands. Their territorial nature means they can be aggressive towards tank mates, particularly during breeding attempts, though successful breeding is rare due to their hybrid nature and often sterile offspring.

Specie simili

Midas Cichlid

Amphilophus citrinellus

Has a normal, fully functional mouth that can close completely. Typically has a more elongated body shape and can exhibit a wider range of colors, including yellow, orange, and even black barring. Often develops a more pronounced nuchal hump.

Redhead Cichlid

Paraneetroplus synspilus

Possesses a normal mouth structure. While it can exhibit red coloration, especially on the head, its body shape is generally more elongated and less rounded than the Blood Parrot. It also has distinct patterning that is usually absent in the Blood Parrot.

Flowerhorn Cichlid

Various Amphilophus and Cichlasoma hybrids

While also a hybrid cichlid with vibrant colors and often a nuchal hump, the Flowerhorn typically has a more elongated body, a larger and more prominent nuchal hump (especially in males), and a normal, fully closing mouth. Their patterning is also distinct, often featuring black markings along the lateral line.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Cichliformes
Famiglia
Cichlidae
Genere
Amphilophus x Paraneetroplus
Specie
citrinellus x synspilus

Esplora Blood Parrot Cichlid

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