The gorgeously blue polar blue parrot cichlids result from artificial cross-breeding between two attractive cichlids. It is an unusual type of fish, so many aquarists want to own one.
They bring together the looks, power, and aggression of the convict cichlids and the parrot cichlids. Their breeding habits are not so different from their parents, and they are not hard to care for, similar to their cross-bred ancestors.
The polar blue parrot is a hardy creature that will live for years, even in less ideal conditions. The life expectancy is, on average, between 5 to 8 years. However, in the best climate, natural habitat, or ideal aquarium tank conditions, the polar blue parrot can live up to 10 years.
A full grown polar blue parrot cichlid is about 3 – 4 inches long, but you can expect them to get up to 5 inches tall in ideal conditions and stable water parameters. The polar parrot cichlid’s aggression only comes out when they feel threatened, bullied, or stressed. Otherwise, the polar parrots are relatively peaceful; you will often find them getting along with their compatible tank mates, especially if you put them in a polar parrot cichlid-only tank. The aggression is also often directed towards smaller fish than bigger fish. This means that if you have bigger fish that can bully and eat the polar blue parrots, then rest assured that the smaller parrots will soon turn into snacks.
A 30-gallon tank for one pair of polar blue parrots is sufficient to get you started. A 50-gallon tank is more practical and leaves room for growth and adventure. As your stock grows and you add more animals or décor into the tank, you will have to consider upgrading the system to a 75-gallon tank which will provide more space and reduce aggression between the tank mates. A parrot cichlid can live with lots of other fish, but it will thrive more in a tank that has its own kind. Their aggression can make them eat smaller fish.
The best tank mates for the polar blue parrot cichlids include:
- Angelfish
2. Various types of Central American cichlids
3. Severum cichlids
4. Parrot cichlids
5. Cory catfish
6. Plecos
Poor water quality is the leading cause of death in fish, and this can be easily prevented in the cichlids by keeping these conditions stable:
Water Temperature: 75 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit
pH level: 5 – 8.0
Water hardness: 9 – 20 KH
Ammonia, nitrite levels: 0 PPM
Some of the best foods for polar blue parrots include:
Brine shrimp
Hikari pallets
Frozen bloodworms
Frozen krill
Crickets
Brie shrimp
Earthworms
Vegetables like peas, spinach, cucumber, broccoli, lettuce, and zucchini
Cichlid flakes