Polar Parrot

 

fish description – Polar Parrot Cichlid Care Guide (Hybrid: Parrot Cichlid x Convict Cichlid)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Amatitlania\ sp.$ Hybrid (‘Polar Blue’ Strain)
Common Name	Polar Parrot Cichlid, Polar Blue Cichlid, Blue Convict Parrot
Origin	Man-made hybrid (Central American Cichlids)
Adult Size	6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
Temperament	Semi-aggressive, territorial, good parental care (unlike traditional Parrots)
Lifespan	10–15 years
Care Level	Easy to Moderate (Hardier than the traditional Blood Parrot)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A small to medium-sized cichlid with a compact, round body, often with a shortened or “balloon” profile and a vibrant, iridescent powder-blue or cobalt body. It is often seen with faint dark vertical banding inherited from the Convict Cichlid.
• Coloration: Uniformly bright blue. Males are generally larger and may have slightly more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females are smaller and rounder-bodied, which is more noticeable during breeding.
• Fins: Proportional for their body size.
• Behavior: Highly territorial, especially when breeding, exhibiting typical cichlid behaviors like digging and cave-spawning. Unlike the infertile Blood Parrot, this hybrid often forms pairs and breeds readily, with the parents fiercely guarding the eggs and fry.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (115 liters) is the minimum for a single pair. 50 gallons or larger is recommended for a community setup.
• Schooling: Best kept as a mated pair or singly. If keeping multiple, a very large tank is required to create separate territories.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$. Stability is essential.
• pH Level: Highly adaptable: 6.5 to 7.5. They are hardy but require excellent filtration and regular water changes (25–30% weekly) to manage the cichlid bioload. Water flow should be weak to moderate.
• Aquascape: Requires a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate for digging and protecting their barbels. Provide plenty of hiding spots and caves (rocks, driftwood, clay pots) for territories and spawning sites. Decor must be securely anchored, as they will rearrange the substrate.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Polar Parrot Cichlid is an omnivore that accepts a wide range of foods.

• Staple Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes (small-sized) and granules.
• Supplementation: A varied diet including protein and vegetables is essential. Offer live or frozen foods (like Bloodworms and Brine Shrimp) regularly. Blanched vegetables (peas, spinach) should be included for fiber.
• Schedule: Feed small portions twice a day. Due to their unique mouth shape, sinking food is often easier for them to consume.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Semi-aggressive and highly territorial when breeding—they will attack and drive off any fish that approaches their cave or fry. Avoid very small, delicate fish or invertebrates (which may be eaten).
• Good Tank Mates: Robust, fast-moving, and similarly sized fish that occupy the mid-to-upper water column. Examples include Larger Tetras, Rainbowfish, Barbs, Plecos, and large Catfish (e.g., Synodontis).