Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid

The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid emerged from crosses between the Blood Parrot and Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata), inheriting the rotund body shape of the Blood Parrot combined with the blue-grey and black vertical banding pattern of the Convict. The result is a distinctive fish with an unusual parrot-shaped body displaying a cool blue-and-black colour scheme entirely different from the warm orange-red of the standard Blood Parrot.

Polar Blue Parrots have proven extremely popular in the hobby since their introduction, combining the novelty of the Blood Parrot body form with the striking Convict patterning. They are generally peaceful enough for community aquariums containing medium to large fish and do not exhibit the extreme aggression of some other cichlid hybrids.

Care is straightforward by cichlid standards. Their hybrid vigour makes them hardy and adaptable, and they accept a wide range of standard cichlid foods without difficulty.

Water: 25–30°C, pH 6.5–7.5; adaptable; moderate water changes maintain health. Tank: Minimum 200L; community capable with medium-large robust fish; provide caves for retreat. Feeding: Omnivore; quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter. Breeding: May spawn; parental care observed; offspring inherit variable patterns from the mixed lineage. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; generally community compatible with medium-large fish.