Bloody Parrot ~ Blood Parrotfish ~ Jellybean Parrot
The Blood Parrot is just about the most curious result of cichlids interbreeding, and has created quite a stir in the aquarium hobby!
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| Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Giannis |
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.
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.
