Are all Parrot Cichlids artificially dyed colours?
Parrot Cichlids are a beautiful, albeit controversial, freshwater cichlid. These fish are a hybrid fish species that was first created in Taiwan around 1986. The exact species used to create the Blood Parrot Cichlid are not known, but many think that the Redhead Cichlid (Paraneetroplus synspilus) and Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) are the parent species.
While it is true that in many countries, the parrot cichlid has been artificially dyed into vibrant blue, red and purple colours, the practice is generally considered cruel and is not one we support. The natural colour of Parrot Cichlid's is a pigment affected by the blood circulating in the fish, and is often a blood red, lighter red/pink, grey, orange or yellow shades.
Platinum or white Parrot Cichlids are also common, and it is often these that are used as a base fish for coloured dye. Here at Real Aquatics, as a principle we do not and will not sell dyed fish, only natural Parrot Cichlids.
To browse our range of Parrot Cichlids online click here.
Photo credit(s): Canva Pro Licence
1 comment
Karen
Hi I recently bought parrot fish. And 2 of them have no Color they’re white with a little pink at the top and rest is white. Will they stay that Color ? As I did purchase pink parrots ? Confused