Flowerhorn Cichlids are the ultimate “pet” fish due to their extremely interactive nature. They have been specifically bred to respond to the humans around them, and some will even lift their nuchal hump out of the water to be petted!
About Flowerhorn Cichlids
Flowerhorn is a hybrid fish that are based on one of the earliest man-made hybrid fish: the blood parrot. Since the first flowerhorns, often called luohans, flowerhorn cichlids have been hybridized with dozens of other cichlids. Their genetic history is unknown and varies greatly with each strain.
- Scientific Name: Unknown- Hybrid
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Origin: Variable
- Common Names: Flower-horn cichlid, Flowerhorn
Flowerhorn Lifespan
Short bodied flowerhorns often only live for 4-5 years, while longer bodied ones live 8-12 years on average. Recently, the expected lifespan has been lowered with the incoming generations, as the newcomers are more inbred than ever.
Do not despair! This only applies to a few strains in different areas of the world and is simply something to be aware of. Most strains are still strong and are not suffering from health concerns just yet.
Temperament
Flowerhorn cichlids are extremely aggressive towards most tank mates, but some tankmates can coexist with flowerhorns. Flowerhorns tend to be aggressive towards anything entering their “territory” but still act like puppy dogs to their owners.
Flowerhorn Diet
Flowerhorns are far from picky when it comes to eating, but they require a protein-rich and strongly varied diet. Live foods are not necessary, as they will eat frozen and dried foods with no problems.
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Flowerhorns need a staple pellet to provide micronutrients and vitamins as well as additions like sun-dried crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, anchovies, and frozen shrimp.
Worms, such as white worms, blackworms, earthworms, and nightcrawlers can also be fed to Flowerhorns. Since overfeeding can lead to excess ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, it is important to feed several smaller meals per day.
Flowerhorn Size
The size of your flowerhorn cichlids will vary greatly depending on the strain. King Kamfas, for example, reach sizes around 12-16 inches, while Thai silk often stays around 8-12 inches. Short bodied flowerhorns will be a few inches shorter than their long-bodied counterparts.
