In 2018, I bought my first pair polar parrot cichlids. I don’t recall any information being available about these fish. I used the little information provided by the breeder, my personal experience and a lot of luck to raise them.
Now, fast forward to a few years and I’m shocked at the amount of misinformation available for us all. Both sellers and bloggers have copied and pasted information that they used to make blood parrots.
There are many similarities between blood parrots and polar blue parrots. However, there are also significant differences.
This blog will cover everything you need to know about raising fish. It’s going be a long article. Don’t be afraid!
Here’s a quick look first.
| Name | Polar blue parrot cichlid |
| Nicknames | Zebra parrots, Short-body convicts |
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Care Level | Simple |
| Lifespan | 5-8 Years |
| Temperature | 72 – 80degF / 22 – 27degC |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Breeding | Simple |
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Origin
Polar blue parrot and cichlids cannot be found in the wild. They’re man-made hybrids. It is widely believed that they were first domesticated in Taiwan, Asia, just like other man-made cichlids. They are now found all over the globe, thanks to their easy breeding.
There is no consensus on which fish species were used initially for their breeding.
Most people believe these fish are a mix of convicts, blood parrots. However, further research revealed that these fish are a mix of convicts as well as blood parrots. They look nothing like polar parrot cichlids.
Another theory is that they are a mix of Honduran red points or convicts. This seemed to me a little more convincing. This is because female polar parrot cichlids are equipped with a large egg tube, just like red points.
As I said, we don’t know everything yet. There is a lot misinformation online about the subject. One website claimed they were a mix of black convicts & king kong pararots.
Despite its muddy origins the fish is absolutely stunning.
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Lifespan
The lifespan of polar blue parrot cichlids is to HTML5_. Although some sites claim they can live for a decade, I believe that is a stretch. This is just a reprint of information from blood parrots.
My polar blues are now around four years old and still going strong. They have at most 2 years left, I believe.
How Much Do Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids Cost?
Prices for polar blue parrot cichlids range from $15-25. To avoid stressing the fish, ensure you purchase local buyers as much as possible.
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Appearance
Polar blue parrot-cichlids are distinguished by their distinctive balloon-shaped bodies. However, it isn’t as dramatic as a blood parrot. The body is almost black in color and has dark blue stripes. The nuchal hump that males have on their foreheads is not as prominent than a flowerhorn’s.
Males and females can have yellow or red markings on their tails. When she’s carrying eggs, the female’s abdomen can turn pinkish-orangish.
Their nose is almost like a parrot’s beak. Their mouths, although tiny, are functional and fully functional unlike a bloodparrot’s.
These fish, like all cichlids have fully developed pharyngeal and regular teeth. Spiny rays are also found at the edges of their anal, pelvic, dorsal and pectoral fins, which help to repel predators. These fins’ fronts have a soft texture that allows them to glide easily in the water.
Polar blue parrot cichlids are like all cichlids. They have one nostril per side, while most fish only have two.
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Size
These fish are not large. They can reach 3 to 4 inches . The length of the body is approximately 2 inches, including the tail.
Many sites claim that these fish can grow to 8-10 inches in length. This is a fabrication. This is just the information that blood parrots copied and pasted.
When I got them, they were only an inch in length. They grew to 3.5 inches in length and stopped growing after 6 months. These fish are fast growing, but not too large, according to my experience.
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Male VS Female
The male polar blue parrots cichlids are typically a little larger than their female counterparts. They also have more intensely colored heads and a distinctive nuchal hump at the forehead. Males have a prominent beak.
Females, on the other hand, have a rounder body with longer, more rounder fins. Their bellies turn a distinctive pink-orange color in the breeding season.
It can be difficult to distinguish juveniles from adults.
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Temperament
Although they are small, these fish have a lot to offer. Although they aren’t as aggressive as convicts in their behavior, we can still describe them as semi-aggressive. One YouTube hobbyist shared the story of how his polar parrot cichlids chased angelfishes and mollies relentlessly at the beginning.
If they have the convict-cichlid gene, then I’m sure the apple will not fall far from the tree. These fish will be somewhat mean if that is the case.
We know from their murky origins that they have Central American or South American roots. They will mark any object in the tank as a marker of their territory and become territorial.
They can be quite hostile, just like most cichlids, during breeding season. Males compete for females’ attention and hunt for a place to lay eggs.
They can also be aggressive towards their own species. We recommend keeping them in groups of 5-6 to diffuse the anger.
These fish love digging. Sometimes you will see them digging through the substrate, and occasionally toppling decorations in the tank.
Tankmates For Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid
- Giant gouramis
- Angelfish
- Yoyo loaches
- Clown loaches
- Severum cichlid
- Blood parrots
- Cory catfish
- Swordtails
- Kuhli loaches
- Firemouths
- Honey gouramis
- Acaras
Polar blue parrots don’t belong to the community fish group. These fish are a formidable opponent for small livebearers such as guppies or tetras. They can also bite other fish because they have fully functional mouths unlike blood parrot fish.
They should be kept in tanks that have cichlids of similar size and with strong personalities.
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Male:Female Ratio
These fish are known for their prolific breeding, so it is possible to have hundreds of unwanted fry if you house more females than men. The ideal polar blue parrot and cichlid male-female ratio for cichlids is 1.
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Diet
Polar blue parrots can be omnivores and have a large appetite. Their small bodies mean that their digestive tracts are often congested. You should ensure that they have easy to digest food. Parrot cichlids have small mouths so it is better to choose pellets made specifically for them. Only give live foods to your parrot cichlids as treats every once in a while.
Food rich in beta carotene and carotenoids will make your child’s colors more vibrant.
Here is a list of foods you can give them:
- Pellets
- Flakes
- Bloodworms
- Crustaceans
- Brine shrimp
- Feeder fish
- Blanched vegetable
Here’s a link that I provide to make pellets specifically for blood parrots.
Hikari Pellets
Why I love this product
- Pellets are small enough to fit easily in their tiny mouths
- Color-enhancing formula derived scientifically
- Enhanced with vitamin C
- Made with healthy ingredients such as marigold flower meal and chili pepper.
Here’s the Hikari FD Blood Worms link that I give you as treats.
Why I love this product
- Frozen using a pharmaceutical-grade freeze drying technique
- Containing micro-encapsulated vitamins
Ideal Water Parameters For Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids
| Temperature | 72 – 80degF / 22 – 27degC |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| General hardness | 2-25 dGH |
| Water movement | Weak |
| Water region | Middle |
| Nitrate | 10 ppm |
| Phosphate | <0.05 |
These numbers represent the maximum and minimum ranges that these fish can tolerate. You should aim to get numbers in the middle of these ranges. It’s not about hitting specific numbers, but maintaining consistent parameters.
My experience has shown that polar parrot cichlids, like blood parrots can be messy eaters. You need to be vigilant about maintaining water parameters.
Depending on the number of fish and tank size, you can do 20%-25% water changes per week. Keep in mind that a smaller tank will make it more temperamental. You should add water at the same temperature as the tank. Make sure to clean your filter media at least once a month.
You can also use an algae magnet to clean the panes. After algae has settled to the bottom of your tank, you can use a siphon vacuum cleaner to remove all the debris. To keep the water clean for longer periods of time, make sure you remove any leftovers after your fish has finished eating.
Don’t forget to check the water every week. API Freshwater Master Test Kit measures five important parameters of water: pH, high pH and nitrate, ammonia, and nitrite.
This master kit is more cost-effective than purchasing individual strips. If you’re interested, I’ll leave a link to Amazon below.
Recommended Tank Size For Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids
For polar blue parrots, the minimum tank size is 20 gallons per pair. We recommend that you go bigger whenever possible.
They would be happy in a larger tank 29 gallons and more.
Best Substrate For Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids
A polar blue parrot or cichlid would be most happy with a dark, sandy substrate. These fish are adept at digging so avoid putting them on rocky or coarse substrates.
Best Decorations For Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids
Aquariums should contain plenty of roots and rocks for fish to hide in when they feel stressed. The aquarium should have enough space for the fish to freely swim. To make pathways for fish, you can place rocks, caves, or driftwood in strategic locations.
Driftwood should be boiled vigorously first in order to remove any tannins.
If you’re looking for breeding, adding flat rocks or caves to your yard can encourage it. To make a cave, flip a plastic cup or pot that is tank-safe sideways.
Plants like anubias and java fern can be added to your garden. They are extremely hardy enough that they can survive in alkaline conditions. These plants can be grown on their own and won’t be uprooted by your cichlid. Make sure they are securely attached to rocks or other decors.
Recommended Equipment For Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids
Polar blue parrots are similar to blood parrots. They have small bodies and delicate fins. You need an aquarium filter that is both effective and gentle to the flow.
A reliable heater is equally important to avoid sudden temperature changes, which could prove fatal in the worst case. You can increase your chances of overheating and electrocution if you make a mistake.
Below are the Amazon links for equipment I use to care for my polar parrot cichlids. Although they don’t have fancy bells or whistles, these equipment are affordable and do a good job.
Skroutz Aquarium Starter Kit 29 Gallon
MarineLand Penguin200 BIO-Wheel Energy Filter
Features
- Multistage mechanical, chemical and biological filtration
- Patented bio-wheel technology for high quality wet/dry biological filter
Boxtech Aquarium Heater 100W
Features
- Made from heat-resistant milky quartz.
- Full automatic control
Breeding Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids
It is easy to breed polar blue parrot and cichlid cichlids. As long as their environment is favorable, they will reproduce easily. You can encourage them to mate by increasing the water temperature, feeding protein-rich foods, and providing flat surfaces and caves.
The egg tube is large for the female. When she is carrying eggs, her belly will change to a pinkish- or orangeish color. Both males and women become moody and territorial during spawning season.
Although I couldn’t find any information online, I have found that males are polygamous, which means they share their sperm with multiple females.
The courtship and mating rituals are identical to those of central and southern American cichlids. The male may dance, shimmy and lip lock with the female.
After the eggs have been laid, the male will quickly follow them and fertilize them. While the male does his job, the female will guard the eggs. The female will then fan the eggs to ensure they receive enough oxygen.
Polar blue parrots often lay eggs once a month. You will have many small fry.
If you want to breed these fish, it is essential that you set up a new tank with a heater and sponge filter. To prevent the fry from getting sucked in, a sponge filter is essential.
These are links to the air pump and sponge filter that I use:
The yolk sac will be the only source of nutrition for the fry for the first 4-5 days. You will then need to feed the fry pulverized flakes and pellets, baby brine shrimps that have just been hatched, microworms, daphnia, and newly hatched microworms.
You should closely monitor whether the fry are eating. You should offer another food if they are refusing to eat the food. They could quickly starve.
Once they are big enough to be independent and no longer fit in a adult fish’s mouths, you can transfer them to the main aquarium.
Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Diseases
Your polar blue parrots can be susceptible to many diseases, just like all cichlids. Swim ich, bloating and swim bladder disease are just a few of the many diseases that can affect polar blue parrots.
We’ll quickly go through them before we close this article.
Ich
Protozoan ichthyophthiriusmultifiliis is the cause of Ich. Fish with low immunity are particularly susceptible. The disease appears as small white spots on the body. It doesn’t require any host to transmit from one fish to the next.
You will need to raise the temperature by around 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) and then use a copper-based treatment. However, you must first remove the water conditioner from the area before using the treatment.
Swim Bladder Disease
Swim bladder disease refers to a condition where the swim bladder malfunctions due to injury, disease or other abnormalities. It causes the fish to sink to the bottom, swim sideways or upside down.
Fast your fish for three days if you suspect that it has the disease. The fourth day, give your fish a pea skinned and continue feeding it for a few days. If the problem persists, professional assistance will be required. To restore buoyancy, a fish surgeon may remove part of the bladder.
Stress Spots
As with blood parrots and polar blue parrots cichlids, they are susceptible to dark spots due to stress. These spots are most common when the fish is being harmed, dirty, or is changing its home.
Final Words: Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid Care Guide
There was a lot of misinformation about polar parrot cichlids that I found online. My little guide was born.
Although they may be from poor backgrounds, caring for them is easy. They will be the focal point of your aquarium, just as they have been mine.
Have you made the decision to bring home polar blue parrots? Have you already brought them home? Tell us!