Polar Blue Parrot

The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid is a man-made hybrid fish, created by crossing a Convict Cichlid with a Parrot Cichlid. It features a compact, round “balloon” body with an icy blue or platinum white background and distinct black vertical stripes. Unlike the large Red Parrot, the Polar Blue stays small, growing to only 8–10 cm (3–4 inches). They are hardy, energetic, and territorial fish that are incredibly easy to keep and breed, making them a favorite for beginners looking to start a cichlid tank. Now In stock

Category: Fishes

Description

1. Origin & Genetics

Scientific Name: None (Hybrid).
Parents: It is a crossbreed, typically involving the Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) and the Blood Parrot.
The “Convict” Influence: You can clearly see the Convict DNA in the black and white striping pattern.
The “Parrot” Influence: The round, stunted body shape comes from the Parrot side.

2. Appearance

Color: They have a beautiful “platinum” or icy blue sheen. The black stripes are bold and high-contrast.
Shape: They have a “short body” or balloon shape. They look like a coin or a disc swimming through the water.
Size: They are much smaller than the Red Parrot you showed me earlier. They are considered “Short Body” fish and rarely exceed 4 inches.

3. Temperament (Small but Feisty)

Attitude: Do not let their cute size fool you—they have the personality of a Convict Cichlid! They can be quite territorial and aggressive, especially towards fish that enter their “cave.”
Activity: They are very active and curious. They will dig in the sand and rearrange the tank decor to their liking.
Tank Mates: Keep them with other semi-aggressive fish of similar size (like Firemouths or other Convicts). Do not keep them with slow, long-finned fish like Goldfish or Guppies, as they will nip fins.

4. Aquarium Care

Tank Size: Because they stay small, a 20–30 gallon tank is sufficient for a pair.
Decor: They love caves. You should provide terracotta pots, coconut shells, or rock structures. They will claim a cave as their home and defend it.
Substrate: Sand is best, as they love to dig pits.

5. Diet

Omnivores: They are greedy eaters.
Menu: High-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp). They graze on everything.

6. Breeding (They are Fertile!)

Key Difference: Unlike the Red Parrot (where males are usually sterile), the Polar Blue Parrot is highly fertile.
Ease: They breed very easily—often called the “rabbits of the fish world.”
Parenting: They are excellent parents. The mom and dad will team up to fiercely protect their babies (fry) from any other fish in the tank.