Which is More Appealing: Ingot Parrot Fish or Blood Parrot Fish? Differences Explained

Ingot parrot fish are generally considered more visually appealing than blood parrot fish. Appearance is a primary factor in evaluating parrot fish, and the red ingot parrot fish, with its distinctive look, often ranks higher than the common blood parrot fish. The main distinctions between ingot parrot fish and blood parrot fish lie in their physical shapes and coloration.

Parrot fish are hybrids resulting from the crossbreeding of the midas cichlid and the red devil cichlid. Varieties include blood parrot, ingot red, and king kong parrot fish. Among these, the most crucial criterion for grading parrot fish is their appearance. King Kong parrot fish are categorized as AAAA grade, while ingot parrot fish are AAA grade, followed by AA, A, and B grades. Red ingot parrot fish are highly favored for their attractive appearance.

Distinguishing Ingot Parrot Fish and Blood Parrot Fish

Ingot parrot fish boast vibrant colors, with a purplish-red back, rose-red sides, pale yellow pectoral and ventral fins, gray-yellow dorsal fin, and white edges on the tail. Their shape resembles a traditional Chinese ingot, hence the name. They tend to be rounder and more compact in shape.

Blood parrot fish, also known as red fortune or fortune fish, are uniformly bright red with round bodies and soft fins. Adult blood parrot fish typically measure 15-20 centimeters in length, with a thick, oval-shaped body. Juvenile blood parrot fish are grayish-white, transitioning to pink or blood-red as they mature. They have a more elongated and less compact body shape than ingot parrot fish.

The curve from the head to the back of an ingot parrot fish is smooth and natural, while the back of a blood parrot fish is more pronounced with a noticeable dip where the back connects to the head. Ingot parrot fish are primarily valued for their aesthetic appeal and typically do not develop a nuchal hump like other parrot fish.

Can Ingot Parrot Fish and Blood Parrot Fish Cohabitate?

It's generally not advisable to keep ingot parrot fish and blood parrot fish together. Blood parrot fish are more aggressive and territorial, making ingot parrot fish vulnerable to attacks. Both species also have a strong feeding drive, which can lead to conflicts over food. For these reasons, it's best to keep these two types of fish in separate tanks if possible. Providing separate environments will minimize stress and competition, ultimately promoting the health and well-being of both species.Source:5D Pet World