Throughout my journey in the aquarium hobby, I have witnessed many bizarre man made creations. Specifically, keepers are often drawn to the unique and the novel. However, a clear line exists where the quest for uniqueness crosses into the realm of cruelty. For me, that line is the Love Heart Parrots cichlid. The first time I saw one, I felt a sickening sense of wrongness. This fish is missing its tail, and its body is unnaturally contorted. Consequently, it struggles to swim with erratic and labored movements. It is a prisoner in its own body and a victim of a commercial gimmick.
What is the unethical truth behind Love Heart Parrots?
No natural genetic trait creates this specific heart shaped morphology. Specifically, breeders subject a standard Blood Parrot to a brutal cosmetic procedure. Furthermore, workers surgically amputate the caudal fin. Consequently, this creates the “heart” shape. In fact, they use a sharp blade. Therefore, they cut the tail off. As a result, the body heals. Furthermore, this creates a heart like appearance. Specifically, I reject the “variety” label. In fact, I analyze Love Heart Parrots. Consequently, this mutilation permanently disables the animal. Therefore, I prioritize accuracy. Specifically, this remains cruel. Furthermore, I demand reform. In fact, breeders cause pain. Specifically, workers mutilate fish. As a result, the animal suffers.
Why is this amputation practice so harmful?
This is not a harmless cosmetic change but a permanent and debilitating mutilation. Specifically, the act of amputation causes immense pain and trauma during the juvenile stage. Furthermore, the removal of the caudal fin destroys the fish’s primary source of propulsion and steering. In fact, Love Heart Parrots are extremely poor and clumsy swimmers that cannot navigate effectively. Consequently, the resulting stress weakens their immune system and drastically shortens their lifespan. Therefore, I categorize this as a lifelong disability for the fish.
Why should you never purchase Love Heart Parrots?
Buying Love Heart Parrots directly funds animal cruelty and incentivizes further mutilations. Specifically, it is not an act of rescue because your purchase creates market demand. Furthermore, your money signals to distributors and farms that a market exists for harmed animals. In fact, the only way to stop this practice is for responsible hobbyists to refuse to buy them. Consequently, you should vote with your wallet and walk away from these retailers. Therefore, I recommend condemning this practice to protect future generations of fish.
How do you care for a Love Heart Parrot you already own?
If you already own one, you must provide this disabled animal with “special-needs” husbandry. Specifically, they are large-bodied and messy fish that require a minimum of a 75 gallon tank. Furthermore, the setup must be a hospital-grade safe space to prevent further injury. In fact, the water flow must be extremely gentle to avoid throwing the poor swimmer around. Consequently, any powerful filter outputs must be baffled with sponges. Therefore, I prioritize a low-current environment to prevent physical exhaustion.
What is the ideal setup and water parameters?
The tank must be completely free of any sharp or rough objects. Specifically, use a soft sand substrate and only rounded rocks or driftwood. Furthermore, silk plants are much safer than hard plastic varieties for their sensitive skin. In fact, pristine water quality is non-negotiable to prevent infections in their weakened bodies. Consequently, you must maintain a stable temperature between 26–29∘C (78–84∘F). Therefore, I recommend large weekly water changes of at least 50% to keep nitrates low.
What is the best diet for a Love Heart Parrots cichlids?
Their diet must consist of high-quality sinking pellets because their swimming ability is severely compromised. Specifically, their labored movements make it impossible for them to compete for floating foods. Furthermore, these pellets allow them to forage comfortably on the substrate without excessive exertion. In fact, providing vitamin-enriched foods supports their suppressed immune systems. Consequently, you must ensure they eat without being bullied by faster tank mates. Therefore, I recommend target-feeding them twice daily to maintain their metabolic health.
Can Love Heart Parrots be kept with tank mates?
Housing them with other fish is a profound and unacceptable biological risk. Specifically, these animals are completely defenseless and cannot swim away from a bully. Furthermore, they cannot compete for food against more mobile residents. In fact, even a peaceful fish can cause them extreme stress through mere proximity. Consequently, the only responsible way to keep them is in a solitary, species-only aquarium. Therefore, I recommend a peaceful kingdom of their own to prevent fear and starvation. As a result, the fish can live out its life in peace.
What is our responsibility as aquarium keepers?
The existence of amputation in the hobby is a stain on our community. Specifically, it is born from a desire to create a “novelty” for uninformed buyers. Furthermore, we have the power to end it through education and ethical choices. In fact, celebrating animals for their natural beauty is the core of responsible keeping. Consequently, refusing to participate in the trade of harmed creatures will shape a better future. Therefore, I demand that we respect the biological integrity of every species. As a result, we uphold high ethical standards.
Sources
(As this is a modified animal, the best sources are welfare organizations and information on the parent species.)
- Practical Fishkeeping
https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/parrot-cichlids-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/ - Seriously Fish
https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/amphilophus-citrinellus/ - ScienceDirect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/caudal-fin - Aquarium Source
https://www.aquariumsource.com/blood-parrot-cichlid/ - FishBase
https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Amphilophus-citrinellus.html - The Cichlid Room Companion
https://cichlidae.com/article.php?id=38
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