The diff between BP's and Jelly Beans?

When I am looking at a two-incher, How would I know if it a BP or a Jelly Bean (cross between BP and a convict)?

When I am looking at a three incher, How would I know if it a BP or a Jelly Bean?

When I am looking at a four incher, How would I know if it a BP or a Jelly Bean?

When I am looking at a five incher, How would I know if it a BP or a Jelly Bean?

When I am looking at a six incher, How would I know if it a BP or a Jelly Bean?

The things I see are color, shape, and temperment. So what are the diff between the two on these or bases. :)
 
Since "Jelly Beans" are most of the time dyed artificial colors, I would highly suggest not getting one. That would be supporting this cruel treatment of animals....

Its gonna be pretty easy to spot a dyed fish as opposed to a non-dyed fish, if thats what you were worried about. However when these fish get large (although they often dont reach much more than 4" due to the dying process) the color fades and it may become more difficult to tell them apart. In which case, I just wouldnt buy the fish. Avoid ones that 'look suspicous'.

From what I've seen, the shape is pretty much the same. Temperment I have no clue, since no one I know would willingly keep a jelly bean....

;)
-Diana
 
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You are asking an impossible question, but I will attempt to shed light on it. Blood Parrots as you know as sort of a mystery in the hobby, obviously they are an odd looking hybrid with various traits of different cichlids. That being said, most blood parrots start out an odd brown color (mustard yellow, etc). As they grow they change into their adult coloration which is normally a red. Certain fish seem to stay smaller or larger depending on what exactly is in the cross. Considering convicts will breed with just about anything, it is of little suprise you mentioned "jelly beans" as being bred with convicts. However, the name jelly bean is in reference to the fish's color (dyed) green, blue, pink and yellow. So to find a "jelly bean" look for the small fish with bright colors. As to which fish will retain a small size its entire life... that is a mystery.

Hope that helped.
Rich
 
I went to an small lfs today that was selling "jelly beans" they looked like little pink convicts, similar in color. The female had a very distinct orange coloration as well. So they had some convict in them for sure, what else.. not too sure.
 
considering that they are not dyed, jelly beens will take on the coloration of there father (convict) be it pink or striped. they will have a "beak" but it will not be as great as the BP, same thing goes for the ballon effect ( I think I speak for us all that like BPs that a ridiculous amount of expansion to the stumache can ruin a BP apperince wise.) as far as size goes both can be dwarfed if kept in a small disply tank. Iwould like to point out that some will take young pure convict and dye them to try and pass them off as jelly beens.
 
Fish_breeder_5 hi,

thanks for the info. Is there a site that I can read up on them or see the pics of either?

Are red parrots as hardy as convicts? My firnd gave me two 5 inchers. They are pure light red. So is it safe to assume that theya re BP's, even though they have maxe dout at 5"?

Lastly, their gills do not close fully and it looks like that they breath hard. There are some red strings hanging out. Does this mean they are sick now? they were part of colony of 10 which were crammed in a 40G tank. they could hardly move. Though they are all now happier in a 60G and many have great red color, including the two that I got. Even one has a bit of hump like red devil! :)

Thanks,

PS: I have a hard time to feed them. They are with my jeuvenile africans which are fast. What kind of food do they like?

They are gorgeous and smart. I have to feed them by hand which is fun. But it is time consuming. I dread setting up another tank just for them!

By the way, this is my thread. So anyone who does not like BP's should not respond! :)
 
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The gill issue sounds like gill flukes or something along those lines... does not really sound normal. You should look into fish dieseases and see if you can see anything similar.

Although, considering they are likely stunted and deformed from being crammed into a small tank with so many other fish and likely poor water conditions I would not be suprised if they have deformity issues that may be causing the gills not to close properly.

Its great for you to give these guys a bigger tank, but they really should have proper water conditions. The water chemistry for africans is different for that of blood parrots (pH 8.2+ for malawies), and also the diet. You should be feeding your malawis high spiraluna and veggie content and your BP's should have a higher protien diet (try frozen red blood worms, BUT NOT TO THE AFRICANS! if your malawies get any they will get the deadly 'malawi bloat'). Also, as your africans mature, they will become much too aggressive for the BP's and likely pick at them.

:)
-Diana
 
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