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. The fish was first created in Taiwan in around 1986.[1] Its parentage is unknown, but the most commonly speculated pairings are midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) with the redhead cichlid (Cichlasoma synspilum), or the 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] Description
Blood parrots are bright orange in coloration, but various colors may be produced by dyeing the fish, which can shorten life expectancy.[2] The fish have several anatomical deformities, including a beak-shaped mouth that cannot fully close, which they compensate for by crushing food with the throat muscles.[1] Blood parrots sometimes cn have deformed swim bladders, causing an awkward swimming pattern; abnormal spines, contributing to the 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] Some red parrots have reached over 15 years of age.[citation needed]
[edit] Habitat and diet
An optimal environment for the fish is a temperature of 72–82° Fahrenheit (22–28° Celsius) and a pH of 6.0–8.0.[1] Habitat should have an adequate amount of open space, several hiding places so the fish can create a territory, and relatively dim lighting.[3] Blood parrots can be aggressive and its not uncommon to compete with larger cichlids such GT's and oscars.[citation needed] Blood parrots should not be keep with smaller community fish if the fish can fit in a blood parrots mouth, since the blood parrot will eat smaller fish.[3] Blood parrots can eat a variety of foods, including chopped beef heart, flakes, pellets, and bloodworms, and earthworms.[4]
[edit] Breeding
Male blood parrots generally are infertile, but successful breeding has occurred.[1] Normally, a female blood parrot lays eggs on a hard surface, and both parents guard the eggs until the brood develops 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 increase fertility.[1]
[edit] In aquaria
Blood parrots are hardy and may be housed by enthusiasts singly, in schools, or with complimentary species under a variety of conditions. Sufficient lighting can be provided by a variety of compact fluorescent lamps without the use of T5 or halide fixtures. The fish are voracious eaters and generate significant uneaten debris during feeding. High volume filtration and frequent substrate suctioning is recommended to minimize nitrates.[citation needed]
[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 September 10, 2006.
- ^ a b Blood Parrot Cichlid Information. Tim's Tropicals. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
- ^ a b c d Sharpe, Shirlie. Blood Parrot. Freshwater Aquariums. About.com. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
- ^ a b McEwan, Michael. Man's Best or Worst Creation?. Aqua Central. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
