Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid (Hybrid: Blood Parrot × Convict Cichlid) – Tank Bred

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The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid is a tank-bred hybrid cichlid known for its vivid blue coloration, expressive personality, and compact adult size. Created by crossing Blood Parrot Cichlids with Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata), this hybrid offers the bold presence of a Central American cichlid in a more manageable form.

Highly interactive and aware of their surroundings, these fish quickly become familiar with their keepers and bring a noticeable sense of character to the aquarium. With proper space and structure, they are rewarding fish for aquarists looking for color and personality without committing to very large, aggressive species.

What We Love About This Fish

• Intense blue coloration that holds well under proper care and lighting
• Compact adult size compared to many Central American cichlids
• Highly interactive and responsive behavior
• Tank-bred reliability and adaptability to aquarium life

Quick Care Overview

Average Adult Size: 4–5 inches
Average Purchase Size: 1/2 inch+
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, interactive
Social Behavior: Territorial but manageable with space and structure
Diet: Omnivorous
Schooling / Social Needs: Not a schooling fish
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Origin: Tank Bred hybrid
Shrimp Compatibility: Not compatible

Recommended Tank Parameters

Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.5–7.8
KH: 6–12 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons

Natural Habitat

The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid is a selectively bred hybrid developed entirely in captivity. Its parent species originate from Central America, where they inhabit slow-moving rivers and lakes with rocky structure, sandy substrates, and submerged wood. This variety has been bred specifically for coloration, size, and aquarium suitability rather than to represent a wild form.

Aquascaping

Plants: Hardy plants such as Anubias or Java Fern attached to hardscape. Delicate plants may be uprooted.
Hardscape: Smooth rocks, caves, and driftwood to create defined territories and visual breaks.
Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves or Catappa Bark can be added sparingly for enrichment and a natural aesthetic.

Balance open swimming space with structured hiding areas to reduce territorial behavior.

Diet and Feeding

Omnivorous. Offer a high-quality cichlid pellet as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms. Occasional vegetable-based foods support digestive health.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

Best kept with other semi-aggressive or robust fish of similar size. Avoid very small fish that may be viewed as food and overly aggressive cichlids that may cause stress. Can be kept singly or as a bonded pair. Larger tanks allow for additional compatible tank mates.

Shrimp Compatibility

Not shrimp safe. Shrimp will be viewed as prey.

Breeding

Breeding is common and often occurs naturally in home aquariums. Pairs readily form and typically spawn on flat surfaces or within caves. Eggs are laid in clutches and actively guarded by the parents.

While fertility can vary between individual fish due to hybrid origins, successful hatching and fry survival are frequently achieved by hobbyists under stable conditions.

Care Guidelines

Diet: Omnivorous
Social Behavior: Territorial but manageable with space and structure
Origin: Tank Bred hybrid
Average Adult Size: 4–5 inches
Average Purchase Size: 1.5–2 inches

Shipping, Arrival, and Acclimation

Standard Aquatic Arts shipping and acclimation procedures apply. Please acclimate slowly and provide hiding areas upon introduction.

Why Bring One Home

If you want a cichlid that feels present and aware rather than ornamental, this hybrid delivers. Compact in size but bold in personality, the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid brings color, interaction, and character into the aquarium without overwhelming it.

Live Arrival Guarantee

All Aquatic Arts fish come with a 100 percent live arrival guarantee and free email support.