Viewers has a strong reaction to the Blood Parrot Cichlid. Some of you may find them cute, like a plush toy of a fish. Others may view them as a genetic mistake.
For bright orange hybrids, there is no middle ground for these creature in the aquarium hobby. They have an expression on their face that says “surprise!” Now they has become a symbol that divides freshwater keeper. But, when the discussion isn’t related to how to provide for their needs or maintain the health of fish, that’s where things get interesting.
Then it is more about aesthetics and human relationships with nature. Are you creating an object (living art)? Or are you a caretaker of something wild?
That question divide the hobby and makes a basic transaction a statement on morality for some cichlid fish lover. This split can be attributed to what the fish represent about our relationship with nature and aesthetics. Wild-type Blood Parrots don’t exist.
Why Blood Parrot Cichlids Divide Fish Keepers
Origins of the Blood Parrot Cichlid
They’re an artificial hybrid most likely developed in Hong Kong or Taiwan in the late 80’s. To achieve certain desired characteristics, they bred a Severum Cichlid and a Redhead Cichlid together. They may of also used other fish from Central American region. What they were after was an unusually shaped fish that had striking colors for show tank purposes.
Physical Characteristics and Care
What you get is a different looking fish more than the parent(s). Typically, most Blood Parrots has an open mouth because their mouths is shaped like beaks and do not close all the way. They also have a puffed up head.
Because of this, their mouth remain mostly open all of the time. In terms of body color, they are usually bright red/orange colors, though may have some black/white color as well. They are very hardy and strong fish.
They’re quite easy to keep, too. Standard tropical parameters works just fine for them. They tend to be quite peaceful with larger fish in a community tank.
So, in practical terms, if you’re new to keeping cichlids, they is great starter fish because they are hardy.
The Controversy Over Hybrids
But the controversy stem from this convenience and the trickery behind it. Conservation-minded purists assert that maintaining hybrids thwarts our goal of saving wild species.
By purchasing a hybrid, you support an industry that breeds them with man-made trait in captivity rather than catching them in the wild. While many find the look appealing, others feel the ethical consideration of honoring nature’s integrity over human-created innovation outweighs any visual appeal. These keepers believe that fish should be kept in a state that reflect their wild counterpart.
Arguments for Keeping Blood Parrots
The other side of the fence include defenders who will remind you that selection and modification are nothing new in the aquarium hobby. For centuries we’ve selected and modified goldfish, guppies, and even bettas. We did this to improve fin shape and color.
And Blood Parrots are just the latest example of that tradition of man-made hybrid. These aquarium keepers contend that there’s no reason why these fish shouldn’t exist (they’re healthy), happy, and they brings joy to their keeper. Being a hybrid doesn’t invalidate their rights to life or even pet ownership.
Proper care and humane treatment should be the issue of concern, not the pedigree of the animal.
Nature Versus Domestication
Part of the conversation about the Blood Parrot is also about its physical restrictions. Their misshapen mouth make them unable to forage in nature.
They relies completely on human intervention to survive. Some people believe that a fish ought to have the ability to live on its own. However, others argue that we domesticated other animals, such as cats and dogs, which is also reliant on us.
Where does domestication end and deformation begin? It’s a matter of opinion, not science, and one where the boundary is sometimes defined by personal values different than biology.
Deciding If They Are Right For You
Whether or not to own a Blood Parrot Cichlid depends on your philosophy towards them.
Are you a lover of wild-type genetics and naturalistic cichlids? Then probably not. Do you like unique, low-maintenance animal for your aquarium?
Then maybe so. Each point-of-view have its place in the bigger cichlid keeping world. And the fish don’t care about any of it.
They’re swimming around and showing off their colors. They also eat the food offered to them in the water you put them in. The disagreement isn’t in the tank; it’s in the heads of those that keep them.
It serves as a good reminder that this hobby is about more than just cichlid; it is also about personal values.
