Description

🐠 Blue Parrot Cichlid

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Hybrid Cichlid (Blood Parrot variant)

• Common Name: Blue Parrot / Blue Blood Parrot

• Size: 7 – 10 inches (18 – 25 cm)

• Lifespan: 8 – 12 years

• Tank Zone: Middle to Bottom

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

• Water Type: Freshwater, slightly soft to moderately hard

• Hardness: GH 5–12, KH 3–8

🐟 Characteristics

• Attractive bright blue body color, unique among parrot fish.

• Rounded body and parrot-like mouth (does not fully close).

• Semi-aggressive but calmer than most large cichlids.

• Intelligent, social, and active swimmers.

• Makes an excellent centerpiece fish for community aquariums.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, spirulina, and blanched veggies (peas, spinach).

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Weekly water change: 25–30%

• Strong filtration (produces a lot of waste).

• Provide rocks, caves, and driftwood for hiding.

• Spacious tank with good aeration is essential.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Can live alone, in pairs, or small groups (3–5+ in a big tank).

• Tank Mates: Silver Dollars, Plecos, Bala Sharks, Severum, Giant Gourami, peaceful medium-to-large cichlids.

• Avoid: Very small fish (tetras, guppies) and highly aggressive fish (Oscars, Flowerhorn).

✅ Do’s

• Keep in a large, decorated aquarium.

• Feed a mixed diet for health and bright colors.

• Maintain clean water with strong filtration.

• Provide hiding spots and swimming space.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep with very small fish—they may be eaten.

• Don’t overcrowd the tank.

• Don’t skip regular water changes.

• Don’t use copper-based medicines (harmful).

⭐ Quick Tips

• A stunning hybrid cichlid with rare blue coloration.

• Hardy, colorful, and social—great for display aquariums.

• Best kept in medium-to-large aquariums with peaceful tank mates.