Fish
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Hybrid cichlid
Origin: Hybrid; developed in Malaysia in the 1990s — does not exist in the wild
Also known as: Flower Horn, Hua Luo Han, Luohan
Fact sheet
- Size
- 30 cm
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Minimum tank size
- 400 L
- Temperature
- 28–30 °C
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness GH
- 5–20 °dH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Varieties
Overview
The Flowerhorn is an artificial hybrid cichlid developed by Malaysian breeders in the late 1990s, believed to involve primarily Amphilophus trimaculatus, A. citrinellus, and possibly other Central American cichlids. Distinguished by an exaggerated nuchal hump (kok/hua shu), flamboyant coloration, and highly aggressive temperament. Hugely popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and China where it is regarded as a feng shui good-luck fish. Not found in the wild; most females are infertile.
Appearance
Reaches 30–35 cm. The prominent nuchal hump is the defining feature — greatly enlarged in mature males. Body colors: vivid red, orange, pink with black marbling and metallic glitter scales; a row of black blotches or letter-like markings along the lateral line is characteristic.
Care
Tank minimum 400–500 L for a single adult. Temperature 25–30°C, pH 7.0–7.8. High-capacity filtration. Species-only — incompatible with virtually all other fish.
Feeding
High-quality large cichlid pellets with color-enhancing additives, frozen/live foods: prawns, earthworms, fish. Specialized 'head growth' pellets available but choose carefully.
Compatibility
Species-only. Extremely aggressive toward all other fish. Pairs can be kept together if the tank provides a physical divider with supervised introduction.
Breeding
Most females are sterile. Fertile pairs are uncommon; when successful, female deposits 500–1000 eggs on flat surface; both guard aggressively.
Fun facts
Listed as an undesirable invasive species if released into natural water bodies. Nuchal hump size is influenced by diet; some commercial feeds contain hormones — read labels carefully. Symbol of good fortune in feng shui tradition.