Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here’s a complete guide to the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid — a hybrid fish known for its...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here’s a complete guide to the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid — a hybrid fish known for its unique appearance, calm nature, and suitability for semi-aggressive community aquariums.
Common Name: Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid
Scientific Name: Hybrid (no official scientific name)
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Captive-bred hybrid — a cross between:
Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata)
Blood Parrot Cichlid (itself a hybrid, usually Amphilophus × Severum or similar)
🧬 As a hybrid, the Polar Blue Parrot doesn’t occur in nature and is bred in aquariums.
Trait | Description |
---|---|
Size | 5–8 inches (12–20 cm) |
Lifespan | 8–10 years with good care |
Color: Icy white-blue or silver with bold blue/gray vertical stripes
Body Shape:
Stocky, rounded body like the blood parrot
Characteristic beak-shaped mouth
Prominent nuchal hump in some mature males
Eyes: Usually red or orange
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (especially during breeding)
Behavior:
Territorial but less aggressive than most Central American cichlids
Peaceful when provided enough space and hiding areas
Curious and intelligent — often recognize owners
Requirement | Ideal Conditions |
---|---|
Tank Size | 30 gallons minimum for one |
Preferred Setup | 55+ gallons for pairs or community |
Temperature | 76–82°F (24–28°C) |
pH Level | 6.5–7.5 |
Hardness | 6–18 dGH |
Substrate | Sand or fine gravel |
Décor | Rocks, caves, driftwood for hiding |
Lighting | Moderate |
Filtration | Moderate to strong (they produce waste) |
💡 Provide caves or broken line-of-sight areas to reduce territorial conflict.
Type: Omnivore
Best Foods:
Cichlid pellets (color-enhancing or high-protein)
Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
Veggies: blanched spinach, peas
Occasional treats: live food (earthworms, etc.)
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 small meals per day
⚠️ Avoid overfeeding — hybrid cichlids are prone to bloating.
Spawning Type: Egg layers (substrate spawners)
Pair Formation: Form monogamous pairs
Breeding Behavior:
Males clean and guard a flat surface or cave
Females lay eggs, both parents guard eggs and fry
Hybrid Fertility:
Blood Parrots are usually sterile, but Polar Blues are often fertile, especially when the Convict genes dominate
🍼 Fry can be raised on crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.
Keep water parameters stable
Perform 25–40% weekly water changes
Use cichlid-safe decor — avoid sharp edges
Don’t house with aggressive species that might bully them
Ideal Tankmates:
Firemouth cichlids
Severums
Angelfish
Larger tetras (Congo, Buenos Aires)
Rainbowfish
Bristlenose plecos
Corydoras (in peaceful setups)
Avoid:
Aggressive cichlids (Oscars, Jack Dempseys)
Fin-nipping fish (Tiger barbs)
Very small fish (may be chased or eaten)
🧠 Best kept singly, in pairs, or in peaceful cichlid communities
Swim bladder issues – due to compressed body shape (especially in blood parrot-heavy hybrids)
Bloat – from poor diet or overfeeding
Hole-in-the-head disease – caused by poor water quality and nutrition
Stress-induced color loss – ensure proper tankmates and space
The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid is a beautiful, hardy hybrid with a unique blend of shape and personality. It’s a great choice for aquarists seeking a semi-aggressive centerpiece fish with gorgeous icy coloration and a more peaceful temperament than many large cichlids.
Would you like help planning a community tank featuring Polar Blues or a care sheet PDF?
*Pictures are for reference purpose size & color might vary slightly.
Delivery of live Fish is only available in Kolkata & Howrah.
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