Blood Parrot Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus × Paraneetroplus synspilus) Care Guide

A hybrid cichlid with a distinctive rounded body, beak-like mouth, and bright orange-red coloration. Cannot fully close its mouth due to genetic deformity.

Overview

Amphilophus citrinellus × Paraneetroplus synspilus is a species in the family Cichlidae. A hybrid cichlid with a distinctive rounded body, beak-like mouth, and bright orange-red coloration. Cannot fully close its mouth due to genetic deformity. Despite controversies about hybrid breeding, it is hardy, interactive, and develops a personality that endears it to owners.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Amphilophus
Scientific name: Amphilophus citrinellus × Paraneetroplus synspilus
Other names: Blood Parrot
Origin: Captive Bred

Habitat

Does not occur in the wild: a man-made hybrid first produced in Taiwan in the late 1980s, most commonly attributed to crosses between the Central American Amphilophus citrinellus and Vieja synspila/Paraneetroplus synspilus complex. Distinctive features include a malformed mouth, beak-like jaws and a vertically truncated body. Trade is restricted in several countries on animal-welfare grounds.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 5-15 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 15-20 cm
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Severum, Bristlenose Pleco, Silver Dollar, Angelfish
Avoid with: Small Fish, Shrimp, Aggressive Cichlids

Breeding

Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
Breeding difficulty: advanced