Indoalaya / Zhen Zhu
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
Overview
Rounder body than Kamfa, more vibrant red-orange coloration, prominent glitter scales. Smaller kok than classical forms; eyes set normally. Popular show variety.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Flowerhorn Cichlid
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
Shared with the species: Flowerhorn Cichlid
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
Shared with the species: Flowerhorn Cichlid
High-quality large cichlid pellets with color-enhancing additives, frozen/live foods: prawns, earthworms, fish. Specialized 'head growth' pellets available but choose carefully.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Flowerhorn Cichlid
Species-only. Extremely aggressive toward all other fish. Pairs can be kept together if the tank provides a physical divider with supervised introduction.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Flowerhorn Cichlid
Most females are sterile. Fertile pairs are uncommon; when successful, female deposits 500–1000 eggs on flat surface; both guard aggressively.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Flowerhorn Cichlid
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.