Blood parrot cichlid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Blood parrot (also known as bloody parrot and blood parrotfish; no binomial nomenclature) is a hybrid cichlid. It was first created in Taiwan in around 1986.[1] Its parentage is unknown, but the most common pairings are midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) with the redhead cichlid (Cichlasoma synspilum), and severum (Heros severus) with the red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus).[2] Blood parrots should not be confused with fresh water parrot cichlids (Hoplarchus psittacus) or salt water Parrotfish (Callyodon fasciatus).[3]
Because this hybrid cichlid has various anatomical deformities, controversy exists over the ethics of creating the Blood Parrot. Cichlid enthusiasts have called for their removal from the market and organized boycotts against pet stores that sell them.[3]
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[edit] Physical description
Blood parrots are bright orange in coloration, but various colors may be produced by dyeing the fish, which can shorten their life expectancy.[2] They have several anatomical deformities, including a beak-shaped mouth that cannot fully close, for which they compensate by crushing food with their throat muscles.[1] Blood parrots can sometimes have deformed swim bladders, which causes an awkward swimming pattern, abnormal spines, which contribute to their unique shape, and unusually large irises.[1][4] Adult fish can grow to a length of 8–10 inches (20–25 centimeters) and reach an age of 10 years or older.[1]
[edit] Habitat and diet
An optimal environment for the fish has a temperature of 72–82° Fahrenheit (22–28° Celsius) and a pH of 6.0–8.0.[1] Their habitat should have an adequate amount of open space, several hiding places so the fish can set up their territory, and relatively dim lighting.[3] Blood parrots can be very aggressive and its not uncommon for them to out compete larger cichlids like GT's and oscars. Blood parrots should not be keep with smaller community fish as if a fish is small enough to fit in a blood parrots mouth, the blood parrot will eat it. [3] They can eat a variety of foods, including chopped beef heart, flakes, pellets, and bloodworms, earthworms... etc [4]
[edit] Breeding
Male blood parrots are generally infertile, but successful breeding has occurred.[1] Normally, a female blood parrot lays eggs on a hard surface, and both parents guard them until they develop fungus, at which time the eggs will be consumed by either the parents or other fish.[1] However, fish farms have begun introducing male blood parrots injected with a hormone to make them fertile.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h It's The Frankenstein Monster Of The Fish World: The Blood Parrot!. AquaFriend.com (2002-10-27). Retrieved on 2006-09-10.
- ^ a b Blood Parrot Cichlid Information. Tim's Tropicals. Retrieved on 2006-09-10.
- ^ a b c d Sharpe, Shirlie. Blood Parrot. Freshwater Aquariums. About.com. Retrieved on 2006-09-10.
- ^ a b McEwan, Michael. Man's Best or Worst Creation?. Aqua Central. Retrieved on 2006-09-10.
