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Blood Parrot Fish

Bloody Parrot ~ Blood Parrotfish ~ Jellybean Parrot

Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Giannis

   The Blood Parrot is just about the most curious result of cichlids interbreeding, and has created quite a stir in the aquarium hobby!

   It is not uncommon for cichlids to interbreed in a hobbyists aquarium. When they are in spawning mode, they will often respond to a fish of the opposite sex whether it is the same species or another fish of a closely related species. The Blood Parrot, also called the Bloody Parrot or Blood Parrotfish, are a unique hybrid fish. They do not occur in nature.

Hybrid Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The Blood Parrots have a very small mouth and a roundish "balloon" shaped body. Perhaps they are called Parrotfish because their nose looks like a 'parrots' beak. They can be solid or have a "calico" patterning or blotching., are available in a variety of colors. They range from basic pale or bright yellows, to oranges and reds. Dyed fish sport purples, pinks, blues, and more colors. These are generally sold as the 'Jellybean Parrot' and 'Bumble Gum Parrot' though there are also names that describe them by their color such as 'Purple Parrot'. Then there are Blood Parrots described by their physical appearance such as the 'Love Heart Parrot' which has no tail fin.

   The Blood Parrots are a peaceful, shy fish that should not be kept with real aggressive tank mates. However, if you keep them in a community aquarium with similar sized fish, be aware that they can be territorial. They like an aquarium with lots of rock formations and caves for retreating and hiding. Plants are not essential though they do not harm them.

   These fish should not be confused with the Parrot Cichlid Hoplarchus psittacus which is another freshwater cichlid from South American that is quite aggressive. There is also no relation to the saltwater Parrot Fish Callyodon fasciatus.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:    The Blood Parrot, also called the Bloody Parrot and Blood Parrotfish, and another variety known as the Jellybean Parrot are fish developed by breeders and hobbyists. Since they are a hybrid, they are domestic and only found in aquariums. The Blood Parrot is said to have been bred in Taiwan and the suggested parents are Central and South American cichlids.

Status:    There are no wild populations of this species.

Description:    The Blood Parrot has a roundish 'balloon' shaped body. They have a very small mouth and are perhaps they are called Parrotfish because their nose looks like a 'parrots' beak. They also have some other distinctions, their spines are deformed which gives them their unique shape, the iris of their eyes is overly large, and they are awkward swimmers.
   They can be solid or have a 'calico' patterning or blotching and they are available in a variety of colors from basic pale or bright yellows, to oranges and reds. There are also color varieties, which are dyed albinos or dyed light colored Blood Parrots. These are generally referred to as the 'Jellybean Parrot' and 'Bumble Gum Parrot', though their names can describe them by color such as the 'Purple Parrot'. Then there are Blood Parrots described by their physical appearance such as the 'Love Heart Parrot', which has no tail fin.
   A further developed variety is the Convict Parrot Cichlid, which is also called the 'Jellybean' Parrot or 'Bubble Gum' Parrot'. This is actually a 'double hybrid' fish. It is a cross between a female hybrid Blood Parrot and a pink male Convict Cichlid Archocentrus (Cichlasoma) nigrofasciatus. Blood Parrots have reportedly been crossed with other cichlid species such as the Severum and the Texas Cichlid. So there may be other new varieties showing up down the road.
   All cichlids share a common feature that some saltwater fish such as wrasses and parrotfish have and that is a well-developed pharyngeal set of teeth that are in the throat, along with their regular teeth. Cichlids have spiny rays in the back parts of the anal, dorsal, pectoral, and pelvic fins to help discourage predators. The front part of these fins are soft and perfect for precise positions and effortless movements in the water as opposed to fast swimming.
   Cichlids have one nostril on each side while other fish have 2 sets. To sense "smells" in the water, they suck water in and expel the water right back out after being "sampled" for a short or longer time, depending on how much the cichlid needs to "smell" the water. This feature is shared by saltwater damselfish and cichlids are thought to be closely related.

Size - Weight:    These fish generally get up to 6 - 7" (15-17.5 cm), though some will reach 8" (20 cm).

Care and feeding:    Since they are omnivorous the Blood Parrot, Bloody Parrot, or Blood Parrotfish will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food or pellet everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat. Live guppies and goldfish will suffice when they get bigger. Proteins high in B-carotene will promote good coloring.
  A 30 gallon tank will be fine for juveniles for the first couple of years, but for adults 55 gallons is suggested. They prefer slow to moderate moving water along with good efficient filtration. The aquarium should have low to moderate lighting. Provide a substrate of fine dark sand along with rocks and roots for places to hide along with open areas for swimming. Plants can also be included as they will not bother them.
   They can be easy to care for if water changes are performed frequently. Do water changes of 20 - 25% weekly, more or less depending on stocking numbers. If water quality is ignored, as with all cichlids, disease and death can occur. One common problem is Ich. It can be treated with the elevation of the tank temperature to 86° F (30° C) for 3 days.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:   These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:    Hardness: 2-25° dGH
   Ph: 6.5 to 8.0
   Temp: 70-82° F 21-28° C. Their colors will pale in the lower temperatures.

Social Behaviors:    As a cichlid with aggressive parents, they would not be considered a community fish, but their shy peaceful nature has allowed them to be kept in aquariums with other fair sized fish. If kept with other cichlids, make sure their tank mates are not overly aggressive. They can be kept with Angelfish, peaceful catfish such as Corydoras and Glass Catfish, Kuhli Loaches, Swordtails, Tetras, Plecostomus, and Silver Dollars.

Sexual Differences:    Sexing them is difficult. Males will show a pink around their gills and on the throat when they are in spawning colors.

Breeding/Reproduction:    The Blood Parrot has been known to breed, but most often their eggs are infertile unless they are paired with a non-hybrid fish.

Availability:    The Blood Parrot or Jellybean Parrot, has become commonly available. They can often be found in fish stores and sometimes online. The Convict Parrot Cichlid (which is also called the 'Jellybean' Parrot or 'Bubble Gum' Parrot') is also sometimes available. They can often be found in fish stores and sometimes online ranging from about $8.00 USD and up for the Blood Parrot, and about $12.00 USD and up for the Convict Parrot Cichlid. Price is dependent on size, color, and type.

Author: Clarice Brough, CFS

Lastest Comments on Blood Parrot View all 205 comments on Blood Parrot Add Your Comment

Janie Dennis - 2010-10-26 I have a 55 gallon tank, I have all real wood and plants. I have one plecostomus, one dragon fish, one african water frog, three blood parrots, and small guppies for food. I've had other fish in the tank like kissing fish but my parrot fish seem to be really aggressive and they beat them to death. They are aggressive with all their tank mates and they like to eat the guppies too. When I bought these fish I was told they were passive/shy fish but that has not been my experience at all. I really like them a lot and would never get rid of them, they are fun to watch and a lot of interesting things.My question is should I just have just parrots in this tank or do you know of a breed of fish they are certain to get along with? Anonymous - 2011-10-30 Hi we have two blood parrot fish have you tried chillids as they seem to be ok. We have been told that with parrot fish it's advisable to get similar size fish we have some mollies and tiger barbs and so far everything ok Alex Burleson - 2011-10-30 Blood Parrot Cichlids, are genetically engineered fish. They are going to have a range of personality wider than most species. From personal experience, I had a male-female pair, they were always passive, yet stood their ground staunchly. Plecostomus' are acceptable tank mates, as well as Dragonfish. However, African Dwarf/Clawed Frogs, which I believe you are referring to, could become greatly picked on by cichlids such as these. Guppies are too small of fish to be housed with Blood Parrot Cichlids. Blood Parrot Cichlids are best housed with Severums, Firemouth Cichlids, Acaras, Snooks, and related South American fishes such as those. Nick - 2011-11-10 Well I have 3 blood parrots right now with 4 Bala Sharks, 3 Placos, 1 Electric Blue Cichlid, and a Tiger Oscar Cichlid, and 1 Angel Fish...all within a 90 GAL tank...and they all do great together! Nick - 2011-11-10 One thing you should def. do is keep your PH balances right and your water very clean and as long as they are happy they won't be territorial.. Sharon - 2011-12-31 You are correct about the dwarf albino frogs. We have two and one parrot fish who picks on the frogs by pushing them around. We got a small scull where they can go and get away kades - 2012-01-02 I have one parrot fish she is very aggressive as well, but has a great personality and is fun to watch. I had trouble finding tank mates as well but I've found that she does well with tiger barbs (doesn't even notice them) and I have a pair of gouramis (green) since pastor fish are slower moving she can't keep up with them and its worked out well. The gouramis bring color to the tank and they aren't shy like some parrots. David Brough - 2012-01-02 Hey kades, thanks for the info on what else you can put in the tank with your BP. barry - 2012-02-03 with my parrot fish i had in a large albino oscar. they got on great, slept beside each other and followed each other around the tank. i have since sold my oscar and bought a gold severum and two convicts. gold severum is same size as the parrot and convicts a little smaller. they seem to be getting on great. convicts will square up to the parrot an odd time but no real trouble. but if i was starting over again id go for the oscar and the parrot on their own. you hear on different sites that they cant mix but id say you couldnt find a better match. Reply

frances dick - 2012-05-04 I have a blood parrot and I dont know much about them, I've had him 2 months. For a week now he has been laying on his side at the bottom of the tank, but when I'm at the tank he will swim to the top and act o.k., then when I walk away he goes back to the bottom. I had the water checked and it was o.k. What should I do ? Jaffer Malik - 2012-05-04 Loneliness maybe a reason, I'd advice u to add another blood parrot to your tank. Cauz blood parrots prefer n love staying in pairs or a group.. Jeremy Roche - 2012-05-05 Sounds like he needs a tankmate. stevo - 2012-05-18 I agree. Get that fish a playmate. But always check ur levels as well. stevo - 2012-05-18 if hes coming to the top to feed your fine. Reply

ajay - 2012-05-09 I have a blood parrot the fish store only sells floating food will it eat that? And which time should I feed him? Jeremy Roche - 2012-05-09 It should eat it depending what it is. During the day is normally good. Maybe try a different pet shop or order online. ajay - 2012-05-09 They sell this tiny green and red floating food. ajay - 2012-05-09 All other shops sell floating food and it stays in the clay pot when there is light,comes out when the room is dark or when there is dim light. stevo - 2012-05-18 I've got 7 bloods in 2 differant tanks and they all love tetramin pro crisps or freeze dried baby shrimp & live brine shimp treat once in a while. Not a fussy fish to feed at all. Mine are about 3 to 4 in. Pellets are good as well. good luck. Great fish Reply

Bere - 2012-05-15 I have 2 blood parrots from 3 weeks now and they just hide and do not eat. Somentimes thay lay on the sides and look like they not even breathing and they will not eat also, but when i get close they run to hide again. I don't think that this inactivity is normal. What should i do? Jeremy Roche - 2012-05-16 Check you water levels right away. How is your tank movement? Bere - 2012-05-16 I checked the water at the petstore and is fine. What do you mean by water movement? steve - 2012-05-18 i have 4 bloods in a 150 & 3 in a55. i went threw the same thing. check your levels but for the most part its adaption. they are a shy breed & easily spooked. mine r doing fine now but that seems like a long time for them not to adapt. they should be foraging & checking the tank by now. good luck bere. get back & let me know how made out. GREAT FISH Reply

Linda - 2012-05-13 What is a good fish that my JellyBean parrot fish could breed with? I want babies!:) Reply

ezz - 2012-05-13 i have got 2 parrots 3 days ago, and one of them is biting the other's fins , should i separate them. Jeremy Roche - 2012-05-13 Just make sure they have their own areas to hide if needed. Reply

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