Hobbyist bred fish
Native Location: Not found in nature
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 10cm
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Easy
Temperature Range: 24-26℃ (75-78.8℉)
Preferred pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Minimum Aquarium Size: 80cm x 35cm x 50cm (110L+)
Potential Tankmates: Angelfish, Severum, Pleco
Care Level: Easy
Photo Credit: Thomas Woolley
The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid, a captivating hybrid species, owes its existence to the ingenious cross-breeding of blood parrot cichlids and convict cichlids. This fish boasts a mesmerizing blue body adorned with black stripes and shimmering blue dots, instantly drawing attention in any aquarium setting. The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid has the head of a blood parrot cichlid, paired with a body structure that mirrors the convict cichlid, making it unique. Growing up to 10 centimetres in length, the compact yet robust body of the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid showcases the remarkable outcomes possible through selective breeding, making it a sought-after species among aquarists seeking both beauty and uniqueness in their aquatic collections.
To create the best home aquarium for these fish, we can use the natural habitat of one of their parents, the Convict Cichlid, as a reference. The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid, a captivating hybrid species, owes its existence to the ingenious cross-breeding of blood parrot cichlids and convict cichlids. This fish boasts a mesmerising blue body adorned with black stripes and shimmering blue dots, instantly drawing attention in any aquarium setting. The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid has the head of a blood parrot cichlid, paired with a body structure that mirrors the convict cichlid, making it unique. Growing up to 10 centimetres in length, the compact yet robust body of the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid showcases the remarkable outcomes possible through selective breeding, making it a sought-after species among aquarists seeking both beauty and uniqueness in their aquatic collections.
The substrate should mix sand and rocks, forming a variety of hiding places and crevices that are crucial for their exploratory and hiding behaviours. Incorporating live plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, and Java Moss not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the tank but also provides additional shelter and breeding grounds for these fish. Driftwood and roots can be added to enhance the natural setting while offering more hiding spots and contributing to the water's chemistry in beneficial ways. The lighting within the tank should be subdued while ensuring water flow is present to mimic natural currents.
The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid thrives on a varied diet that includes plant-based and meaty foods, ensuring a balance of nutrients crucial for their vibrant colouration and overall health. In a home aquarium, their dietary needs can be met with a combination of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as the staple diet, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to encourage natural foraging behaviours and provide essential proteins. Vegetables like blanched spinach, peas (with the shells removed), and cucumber slices should also be included regularly to provide necessary vitamins and minerals and to promote digestive health. Feeding them in small quantities multiple times daily is vital to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues arising from uneaten food. This balanced approach to feeding caters to their nutritional needs. It adds excitement to their daily routine, keeping the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids healthy, active, and thriving in their aquatic home.
Breeding Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids can be a fascinating experience for aquarists, but their hybrid nature comes with challenges. These fish are known to form monogamous pairs once they reach sexual maturity. To encourage breeding, it's advisable to set up a dedicated breeding tank with conditions that mimic their natural habitat—warm water, plenty of hiding spaces using rocks or caves, and a serene environment. The breeding tank should also have a slightly softer substrate where the female can lay eggs. Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids exhibit parental behaviours; the female typically deposits the eggs in a secure cave or flat surface, which the male fertilises. Post-fertilisation, both parents may guard the eggs aggressively. The eggs usually hatch within 3 to 5 days, with fry becoming free-swimming a few days later. Feeding the fry with high-quality, specially formulated food is crucial for their growth during this period. Breeding these cichlids requires patience and attentive care, but witnessing the development of the fry can be highly rewarding for dedicated aquarists.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page, and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish.
Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels) via a dated image. Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or "disasters", i.e. a heater overheating. To prevent such situations, we recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium.
Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fishkeeping!
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.
