Blood parrots

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20 years ago the original blood parrots when I first saw them I hated them never bought one. After still seeing them around they were obviously here to stay they kinda grew on me. My wife thought they looked so cute so we bought a red one. I actually enjoyed watching him they tend to be kinda bullies but can't do much damage cause they can't really bite. Later we decided to get another one, a yellow one. They paired up would defend there spots in tandem like one fish sided by side fighting off anyone who tried to get into there spot a lot of fun to watch. I ended up having to trade them in but really enjoyed them though.
 
Two of my original blood parrots have been alive for 8yrs now. the big female passed away recently at probably 71/2yrs. I'm sure she would still be alive if she didn't keep shoving gravel into her mouth and getting them stuck. I had to fish her out and take out the gravel by tweezer.

Conflicted about them (even though I also think they are one of the best fish I ever kept).

the dyed ones are just cruel as the tattoed ones, and ones with the tails chopped off. My original ones are tails chopped, (didn't know about the practice at the time, and thought they were bred out <naive>).

If i'm going to buy them again, def won't take the ones with tails chopped off, or ones with the forced open mouth shape.
 
Not sure of this, but the ones that can close their mouth are the ones crossed with a pink convict? Usually referred to as "Jellybean" parrots and commonly dyed?
 
I have four BP's and wouldn't give them up for anything. Love their personalities. They are usually waiting at the glass begging for food when I come in the room!!
 
Tokey;4994481; said:
Not sure of this, but the ones that can close their mouth are the ones crossed with a pink convict? Usually referred to as "Jellybean" parrots and commonly dyed?
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There are jellybean convicts which are commonly dyed. There are also "king kong parrots" which are not crossed with convicts but are larger than regular BP and can usually close their mouths. To me, they look like a very plump, slightly short-bodied Midas.

I've heard a lot of conflicting opinions on where the BP actually comes from, and if it's even a cross. Some of my colleagues firmly believe it's simply a short-bodied Red Devil. Whatever the case, I've really enjoyed owning BP over the years. I prefer to own ones with functional mouths because they are prettier and more natural. The ones with the 8-shaped functionless mouths border on inhumane, to me.
 
These fish are also sterile.
 
Pufferpunk;4994728; said:
These fish are also sterile.
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Generally males are, but females can and will lay a LOT of eggs. I've also found that BP females are very liberal about who they pair up with. I've seen so many combinations of BP crosses, it's unreal. One that occurred in my own tank was BPxconvict. She wasn't even paired with my con, she was paired with my male BP... but when she laid eggs and the poor male BP attempted to fertilize, the con came over and actually did.

Crazy fish....
 
Natalie;4995681; said:
Generally males are, but females can and will lay a LOT of eggs. I've also found that BP females are very liberal about who they pair up with. I've seen so many combinations of BP crosses, it's unreal. One that occurred in my own tank was BPxconvict. She wasn't even paired with my con, she was paired with my male BP... but when she laid eggs and the poor male BP attempted to fertilize, the con came over and actually did.

Crazy fish....
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that just reminded me of cee lo green's "thank you" or "F you"
 
Its the whole hybrids vs pure breeds thing. I enjoy some hybrids others like Blood Parrots, I just don't care for. I don't see any problems with responsible hybridizing or breeding. (and yes I know there are lots of irresponsible folks out there)

Becaseu I dont care for Blood Parrots I have never researched them, but I have heard they have lots of health issues? Im not a huge fan of hybridizing if it causes health major issues.

Also not a fan offish tattooing or dyes, but I guess that is a bit off topic.
 
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