New Cichlid Hybrid???

Hey everyone!

I have some fry from two fish I did not expect to breed. A Calico Convict Cichlid and a Blood Parrot Cichlid. They were not joking around and had 600 fry. The majority of which are still alive a month later.

I can find zero info on these guys. There seems to be some back and forth about Jellybean cichlids being from a parrot x convict, but I honestly don't know what sort of fish I've got here. Any ideas?

I'm attaching pictures but photographing them is nearly impossible so I apologize for quality. I've also got a pic of the parents.

 

they most likely could be a new species of cichlids because it is not usual for cichlids to crossbreed I think but if it is a new hybrid you should take it to a local fish expert and ask him/her

 

Thank you, I definitely will do that. There is a LFS with an owner who really loves cichlids so maybe he will have some idea

 

Thank you, I definitely will do that. There is a LFS with an owner who really loves cichlids so maybe he will have some idea

You"re welcome, I also do recommend you bring 1 of the hybrids in a small container with water from its tank for him to see

 

Wow! I think it's awesome that you might have created a new hybrid. Please update us on it after you visit an expert.

 

Wow! I think it's awesome that you might have created a new hybrid. Please update us on it after you visit an expert.

Thank you!!!

 

THAT is a lot of fish curious to see what they'll look like as adults.

 

ParrotxConvict is not a new hybrid, it has been done several times, including similar ones to your fish. Most hybrids like this are not pretty, even if the parents are. You will be lucky if the fry don't grow up and look muddy.

 

That is quite a large spawn. While I have seen many claims of ConvictxParrot hybrids, this is the first actual evidence I've seen of such a cross. The one fish does appear to be a standard Bloody Parrot rather than a Jellybean, and the Calico Convict is obvious.

I don't see any obvious deformities in the fry, but that may be because they are still fairly small. I would be curious as to how they look when they grow out.

 

ParrotxConvict is not a new hybrid, it has been done several times, including similar ones to your fish. Most hybrids like this are not pretty, even if the parents are. You will be lucky if the fry don't grow up and look muddy.

Maybe that's why I can't find pics or any for sale or anything?

 

That is quite a large spawn. While I have seen many claims of ConvictxParrot hybrids, this is the first actual evidence I've seen of such a cross. The one fish does appear to be a standard Bloody Parrot rather than a Jellybean, and the Calico Convict is obvious.

I don't see any obvious deformities in the fry, but that may be because they are still fairly small. I would be curious as to how they look when they grow out.

Thank you! I just want them to grow quickly so I can find out!!! I haven't been able to find any healthy adults from this cross either. My female is definitely a true parrot. She keeps getting bigger! The convict is interesting because he is generally white with a few black stripes and blue eyes, but when she is laying eggs he goes bright orange. They are certainly a funny couple.

The fry seem healthy so far, I had a couple that died that seemed to have some fin deformity but overall, they eat constantly and whatever I give them, brine shrimp, First Bites, they will even pick apart little pellets. They are strong swimmers, symmetrical, functional body shape. Some are all white and some have black stripes so it's going to be interesting!

I will definitely keep you guys posted!

 

they most likely could be a new species of cichlids because it is not usual for cichlids to crossbreed I think but if it is a new hybrid you should take it to a local fish expert and ask him/her

Actually Cichlids cross breed all the time, just depends on which ones. What is intresting is a blood parrot being fertile since generally speaking the males are sterile. Though it does happen that you get a fertile male.

 

Actually Cichlids cross breed all the time, just depends on which ones. What is intresting is a blood parrot being fertile since generally speaking the males are sterile. Though it does happen that you get a fertile male.

I should have said, the blood parrot is the female. So I haven't debunked the sterile male thing! Haha the male is the calico convict

 

I should have said, the blood parrot is the female. So I haven't debunked the sterile male thing! Haha the male is the calico convict

Yeah there are stories about male blood parrots breeding but you never see proof. Intresting cross breed but as others have said the fry may not look great as they mature. Then again its anyones guess so it should be an interesting journey for you!