Blood Parrot hybrid (Amphilophus × Vieja)
Also known as: Purple Blood Parrot, Purple Parrot Cichlid
Origin: Captive bred (hybrid)
The Purple Blood Parrot Cichlid is produced through a combination of selective breeding and, in some commercial operations, temporary colour enhancement techniques. The resulting violet-purple body colour is highly unusual in the cichlid world and creates a dramatically different aesthetic compared to the warm-toned standard Blood Parrot.
Quality Purple Blood Parrots from selective breeding lines maintain their purple colouration throughout life when provided with appropriate diet. Specimens whose colour was achieved through temporary dyeing will gradually revert to a more orange-red hue as new scales grow. Buyers should seek transparency from suppliers regarding how the colouration was achieved.
Behaviourally and in terms of care requirements, the Purple Blood Parrot is identical to the standard form — hardy, interactive, and compatible with a range of medium to large aquarium fish.
Water: 25–30°C, pH 6.5–7.5; stable water quality helps maintain pigmentation in selectively bred individuals. Tank: Minimum 200L; community suitable; provide hiding spots and visual barriers. Feeding: Omnivore; balanced diet with colour-enhancing pellets; avoid foods known to shift pigmentation toward orange. Breeding: As per standard Blood Parrot; males typically infertile. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; suitable with medium-large cichlids, large characins, and catfish.
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