Just a quick note from when I had the parrots accidentally pair off.

From the original 100+ fry there has been a surprising amount of dying off. That being said I'm not being as attentive as I should be with them since they're just for feeders, but I would have never expected something with convict, severum and midas in them would be so delicate.

I know the genetics are all sorts of retarded, but still.

I had the same problem with my sevs that paired off. I'm thinking they didn't have compatable genes or something. No matter how many water changes and feedings I did I couldn't get them to growout properly. I'm thinking they were some sort of strange mix which caused an abnormal fish. I had one live almost a year but it was no more than 1-1/2" long.

I have raised other fry to maturity using the same techniques so I'm thinking it was genetic.

Not sure on parrots but i dont think you are suppose to breed parrots together i think you are suppose to breed them with something other than there own. ( Again i said i'm not sure)

It happens with people, don't see any reason it can't happen with fish either I guess.

It was totally an accident their breeding. I wasn't trying to or encouraging it in any way. They in fact did it while I was gone for a few days.

Out of the 30 or so that are left there seems to be 6 that all are looking healthy and like they'll fully grow out. It just makes me wonder if they use some sort of hormones on them when the big breeders sell them out or if the mortality rate is to be expected and it's why the ones that are all orange/red sell for $20+ in stores around me.

I don't get y ppl even like them. I only like the look of King Kongs which are Bloods w/ FHs

It is likely genetics....Also weak or bad genes can slow things likely your case Dawg. Over breeding and multi generations and of course weak genes also.

Eh. I don't mind them. They're kinda fugly, but they more than make up for it personality wise.

I used to be against them, but it's not really the fish's fault it's the way it is.

Also, they are expensive due to very few males being fertile.