Description
Blood parrots are bright orange in coloration, but various colors may be produced by dyeing the fish, which can shorten life expectancy. The fish are injected with a colored dye by the breeder. Practical Fishkeeping has been very successful in bringing this practice to light and as a consequence, the vast majority of fish stockists will no longer sell these modified fish, often nicknamed "Bubblegum Parrot". The fish have several anatomical deformities, including a beak-shaped mouth that cannot fully close, which they compensate for by crushing food with the throat muscles. Blood parrots sometimes can have deformed swim bladders, causing an awkward swimming pattern; abnormal spines, contributing to the unique shape; and unusually large, and often deformed irises. Adult fish can grow to a length of 8–10 inches (20–25 centimeters) and reach an age of 10 years or older. Some red parrots have reached over 15 years of age.
Breeding
Male blood parrots generally are infertile, but successful breeding has occurred. Normally, a female blood parrot lays eggs on a hard surface, and both parents guard the eggs until the brood develops fungus, at which time the eggs will be consumed by either the parents or other fish. However, fish farms have begun introducing male blood parrots injected with a hormone to increase fertility.
In aquaria
Blood parrots are hardy and may be housed by enthusiasts singly, in schools, or with complementary species under a variety of conditions. Sufficient lighting can be provided by a variety of compact fluorescent lamps without the use of T5 or halide fixtures. The fish are voracious eaters and generate significant uneaten debris during feeding. High volume filtration and frequent substrate suctioning is recommended to minimize nitrates.
