What Is A Jellybean Cichlid?

Jellybean jellybean cichlids don’t come from naturally occurring fish. They are disguised as dyed blood parrots. In 1986, in Taiwan, jellybean cichlids first appeared in aquarium hobby.

Most often, the protective slime coating of albino bloodparrot Cichlids is chemically removed.

The slime coat is stimulated by a final bath in chemical solution. They are available in bright colors such as blues, pinks and purples.

These colors will fade over time, however. Due to the cruel and painful procedures that they go through as young, jellybean cichlids often have a shorter lifespan.

However, some people claim that these fish are sterile. With a few exceptions they do produce fine, healthy offspring.

The fry will lose their parents’ vivid colors.

These artificial colors are created by jellybeans, which go through a lot of painstaking work. Urban Fishkeeping does not recommend the sale or purchase of these fish for their potential eye candy.

Here’s a guide to care for your jellybean cichlids, in case you have one.

JellyBean Cichlid Quick Facts

Name	Jellybean cichlid
Nickname	Bubblegum parrot cichlid
Average Lifespan	5-8 Years
Size	3-8 Inches
Take care	Moderate
Diet	Omnivore
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Temperature	70-82degF (21.1-27.8degC)
pH range	6.5-8.0

Jellybean Parrots are hybrids of cichlids that have been created by mixing several new world cichlids.

To create jellybean Cichlids, the most common cichlids used to make them are severums red devils and midas.

Jellybean cichlids can only be found in the wild because they are the result of careful dying processes and selective breeding.

They are therefore not included in the IUCN red listing.

Jellybean Cichlid Origin

There are many schools of thought about the parents of jellybean and blood parrot cichlids.

These are the most popular combinations:

• Red-headed cichlid and Midas Cichlid (both Central American species).
• Red Devil Cichlid, Severum Cichlid, or Blue-Eyed Cichlid (Central American and one of the two South American species).

Jellybean Cichlid Apearance

Jellybean Cichlids have a heart-shaped, round body. This is achieved by trimming the tail when it’s small. Their small mouths are due to a genetic defect that causes their nose to look exactly like a parrot’s beak.

Other unique features include large irises, a deformed spine and an unusual shape that gives them their signature look.

Due to their dramatic physical features, they may have difficulty closing their mouths, making it difficult to eat.

Similar to the egg-shaped body, their swimming ability is affected – leading to a rather awkward and unnatural swimming style.

They have one nostril per side, and well-developed pharyngeal teeth in their throats.

Spiny rays are located at the ends of their dorsal, pelvic, pectoral and anal fins to deter predators. These fins’ fronts, on the other hand are soft enough to allow for effortless gliding through water.

Jellybean Cichlid Size

The maximum size for Jellybean Cichlids is 8inches. These fish can sometimes not grow to their full potential because of genetic defects.

Jellybean Cichlid Colours

Jellybean Cichlids can be found in many artificial colors, including blue, pink, and violet.

Then, the slime is applied to the skin.

It’s only a matter time before these colors start to fade and become blotchy.

As juveniles, jellybean Cichlids have tan/brown body with black spots around the tail. They would have become orange-yellow adults if they hadn’t been artificially dyed when they were young.

Jellybean Cichlid Male VS Female

The male jellybean species are the same as all other cichlid species. They have longer and more pointed fins. Female jellybean species, on the other hand have shorter and blunter fins.

Males naturally have darker coloring than the females. But, because both genders are dyed young, it’s impossible to tell the difference by looking at their colors.

Jellybean Cichlid Temperament

Jellybean Cichlids are a bit aggressive. They are not the best choice for community tanks. They are even more likely to be influenced by the mean tendencies of convict cichlids.

These fish are shy and reserved as juveniles. You will need to give them plenty of places to hide. It will take a few weeks for a jellybean fish to adapt to its new environment.

You can make them more comfortable by giving them plenty of hiding places and adding a few ditherfish.

Jellybeans, like other Central and South American Cichlids are territorial. To claim their territory, they will mark objects. You need to make sure there is enough space for everyone.

A natural hunting instinct means that they will eat fish smaller than themselves.

These fish can’t properly bite or nip their opponents due to their mouth defects.

Jellybean Cichlid’s Love For Digging

The digging ability of jellybean cichlids is remarkable. You will find gravel everywhere, and even plants uprooted. It’s best to not interfere with their lives.

Jellybean Cichlid Tankmates

Jellyfish cichlids are a peaceful species that get along well with many Central and South American cichlids of similar size and personalities, due to their calm demeanor.

They are very nervous and will not get along with other people due to this.

These are some suitable tankmates to your jellyfish cichlid:

• Angelfish
• Plecostomus
• Corydoras
• Kuhli Loaches
• Swordtails
• Silver Dollars
• Bala Shark
• Tinfoil Barbs
• Rainbowfish
• Yoyo Loaches
• Emperor Tetras
• Honey Gouramis
• Firemouth Cichlids
• Clown Plecos
• Tiger Barbs
• Firemouths
• Acaras
• Eartheaters

Imagine that you keep your jellybean Cichlids alive by adding some fast and clever species such as giant danios and rainbowfish to their tank. Your jellybean will not even notice that food is being served.

Jellybean Cichlid Diet

Jellybeans, like most cichlids will eat any type of food, including pellets, flakes and worms. These poor fish can have a difficult time eating due to their small mouths and gill curts.

Sinking pellets are best for jellybeans who have difficulty eating from the surface. Remember that jellybeans don’t have an entirely functional mouth so the pellets should be soft enough to crush.

B-carotene is a great food to promote good coloring, since jellybeans lose most of the artificial colors they have as they age.

Here are some foods you can feed your jellybean cichlid.

• Pellets
• Flakes
• Bloodworms
• Small crustaceans
• Blanched veggies
• Brine shrimp
• Feeder fish
• Thawed peas

Keep in mind that they should only eat small pellets. You might not be able to use standard pellets. Therefore, it is best to purchase pellet brands that are specifically formulated for bloodparrots.

Here is a link to the most loved and popular pellets brand:

It is what we love:

• Color-enhancing formula derived scientifically
• Ingredients include marigold flower meal and phaffia yeast.
• Enhanced with vitamin C to strengthen immunity

Water Parameters For Jellybean Cichlids

Temperature	70-82degF (21.1-27.8degC)
pH range	6.5-8.0
Nitrate level	10 ppm
Level of phosphate	<0.05
General hardness	2-25 dGH
Water region	Middle
Water movement	Weak

Jellybean Cichlids can be messy eaters. The water can quickly become sour. Depending on your stocking amount, you’ll need to change the water every other week.

Jellybeans can be tough, but due to their deformities you need to keep them hydrated. Any illness could quickly lead to their death.

To clean the glass panes, use an algae magnet or a sponge. Once the algae has settled, you can remove it from the substrate with a siphon vacuum.

Once they are done with their meal, take out any food that may have diluted or polluted the water.

Jellybeans like slow to moderate water flow, and prefer dim lighting.

You should make it a habit of checking the heater and filter daily to ensure that they are working properly.

Every week, you should check the parameters to determine if there is any toxic buildup underneath.

The API master kit is recommended as they are more precise and offer more value than test strips.

If you would like to buy one, here’s a link:

Minimum Tank Size For Jellybean Cichlids

For the first few years, a 30-gallon tank is sufficient for juvenile fish. As your fish grow in length, however, you will need to upgrade the tank to 55-gallon.

Substrate And Decorations For Jellybean Cichlids

Provide dark, sandy substrate. Avoid gravel and other textures that are rough or sharp as these fish love digging and burying themselves.

Add rocks, driftwood and caves to decorate. These cichlids tend to be more reserved and will often hide in caves.

Plants can also be added. They will only take one or two bites, but will generally leave the plants alone. As jellybeans love digging around, make sure to attach the decorations securely to the substrate.

Top Equipment For Jellybean Cichlids

A canister filter is the best option, as jellybeans have a high bioload. The temperature must also be maintained at the right temperature. They become more reclusive when temperatures drop and their colors are washed out.

These are our top picks of equipment for jellybean Cichlids.

Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter

It’s what we love about it:

• Effective for tanks up to 150 gallons
• Filters starting at 315 GPH
• 4 large media baskets
• Includes filter medium, spray bar and directional spout to customize.

Hygger 500W Submersible Aquarium Heater

We love it:

• LED digital display controller
• 5-second heating time
• Intelligent thermostat
• Anti-dry Protection
• Built-in dual temperature probe

Penn-Plax Krusty Krab Aquarium Ornament

It’s what we love about it:

• Made from safe and durable resin
• For freshwater and saltwater aquariums
• Easy to clean
• Adds the nautical charm and elegance of Bikini Bottom into your tank

Breeding Jellybean Cichlids

It is difficult to breed jellybean cichlids. It is not always easy to have a successful brood. Although all female jellybean cichlids can lay eggs, there is a good chance that the eggs will not be fertile.

Jellybean cichlids have been reported as infertile for a large part of human history. There were also stories of healthy fry from jellybeans. That was it.

To my delight, however, I found several other users sharing their experiences with breeding jellybean cichlids while searching for information.

But there is a catch!

It turns out that females can cross with males of other species. However, this often leads to drab hybrids.

There are so many cases of successful breeding reported online. I wonder if jellybean cichlid infertility has begun to fall like other mutations (e.g., non-functional mouth or gill covers).

Jellybeans will spawn regardless of whether they are fertile. If it is visible, the male will show more intense coloring. Once he has won over the female, he will search for a flat rock to clean it.

Both parents will protect the eggs after they are laid. They become very intolerant of bottom dwellers at this point. They will also continue to fan the eggs.

The fungus will cover the eggs after a few weeks. They will then be discarded or consumed by the parents.

If the eggs hatch, parents will provide postnatal care up to 1 inch in length. You should perform 25% water changes each day and give fresh baby brine shrimp.

Once your worms are free-swimming you can feed them pulverized flakes, pellets, and micro worms.

Jellybean Cichlid diseases

Jellybean Cichlids can be affected by both common fish diseases and those that are specific to their species. Poorly oxygenated water can lead to several deadly diseases. The most common jellybean cichlid diseases include ich, stress spots, and swim bladder disease.

Like most fish, they are susceptible to skin flukes and parasitic infestations as well as bacterial and fungal infections.

Ich

Ich is caused by the ciliated protozoan Ichthyophthiriusmultifiliis. It manifests as small white spots scattered throughout the body. This disease spreads quickly and is extremely contagious.

To treat ich, raise the water temperature to around 86F (30C). Combining copper-based treatment and elevated temperatures results in better results. Be sure to get rid of any water conditioners before you start using the medicine. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using it.

Swim Bladder Disease

Swim bladder disease is a condition in which a fish has damaged its swim bladder. This could be due to nutritional deficiencies, injury or secondary diseases like cancer and tuberculosis.

This disease can severely affect a fish’s ability of swimming, causing it to swim sideways and in unusual patterns.

Swim bladder disease can be temporary or persistent depending on the cause.

Fortifying your diet could help if it is caused by malnutrition.

A fish surgeon might be able to correct buoyancy if the problem is due to a medical condition such as a broken bone or partial removal of the bladder.

Stress Spots

Stress spots can develop in jellybean cichlids. They resemble black spot disease. These spots can develop when the fish is constantly being harassed or changing their homes.

Genetic Defects

Jellybean cichlids, as a result intensive selective breeding, are often plagued by anatomical defects.

These include a beak-shaped jaw that doesn’t close completely, a deformed nuchal Hump, deformed swimming bladders, and unusually large Irises.

Final Words: JellyBean Cichlid Care Guide

It is ethically questionable to keep jellybean cichlids. These fish will go to great lengths to please us with their unnaturally bright colors. Don’t even think about getting a jellybean Cichlid. This is a mistake on several levels.

If you already have one, this guide can help you to give it the best possible life and the love it deserves.