Description

The blood parrot cichlid is a hybrid aquarium fish species around which notable controversy exists. Produced by crossing the midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus)and the redhead cichlid (Paraneetroplus synspilus), the blood parrot cichlid's genetic mixture has left the fish with a combination of physical traits that compromise the fish's ability to thrive. It has a very small mouth, for example, that makes it difficult for the fish to feed itself adequately. Some aquarium enthusiasts believe this is a hybrid that should not be bred, and some even go so far as to boycott petshops that sell it.

However, the unusual appearance—round body and beak-like head with large eyes—along with the fish's ability to coexist with other species in a community environment, has made it popular among some enthusiasts.