Blue Polar Parrot Cichlid - Amatitlania Nigrofasciata

The Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid, a hybrid fish known for its striking colour and unique personality, has quickly become a favourite among aquarium enthusiasts. Also referred to as Amatitlania Nigrofasciata blue, this cichlid is a crossbreed, typically between the Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) and the Blood Parrot Cichlid.

Origin:

Being a hybrid, the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid doesn’t have a natural habitat. However, its parent species, like the Convict Cichlid, are native to Central America, particularly in regions with rocky rivers and streams. This means that while the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid isn’t found in the wild, its care and environmental needs are influenced by the natural habitats of its parent species

Habitat:

The aquarium should be large enough to allow any tank mates to escape the potential breeding territory of a single pair, with a much more spacious tank required for multiple specimens. Filtration should be efficient with areas of moderate water movement, along with some quieter resting spots out of the current.

Diet:

In the wild, the parent species of the Polar Blue Parrot Cichlid are omnivorous, which means they eat a varied diet consisting of both plant matter and small insects or crustaceans. In the home aquarium, they thrive on a balanced diet that includes high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter such as spirulina or blanched spinach. Offering a varied diet helps ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients to maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.

Tank Mates:

Companions can include shoaling fishes including livebearers such as Swordtails and Goodeids, other cichlids should not be too aggressive in order to prevent damage to these bolshie little hybrids, which may well start a fight that they're ill-equipped to finish. Avoid keeping this fish alongside close relatives such as other Amatitlania or Cryptoheros, to avoid hybridisation, although the horse has long since bolted from that particular stable.

Behavioural Traits:

Polar Blue Parrot Cichlids are known for their semi-aggressive nature, a trait they inherit from their Convict Cichlid lineage. They can be territorial, especially during breeding periods, and may become aggressive towards other fish. Despite this, they are generally more peaceful than pure Convict Cichlids. These fish are also highly intelligent and display a range of interesting behaviors, such as digging and rearranging the substrate in the tank. They are curious and interactive, often recognizing their owners and responding to their presence.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24-28C
• pH: 7.0-8.0
• kH: 6-20 Degrees