How to Breed the Flowerhorn Parrot

Although it sounds like it's a bird, the flowerhorn parrot -- more commonly simply called the flowerhorn -- is a type of cichlid fish. The freshwater fish is large and colorful, growing to about a foot or more in length, with long fins, a robust body and a large hump on its head. Flowerhorn cichlids are not naturally occurring. Rather, they are hybrids, carefully bred to maintain bright, bold colors and patterns while eliminating health defects. Because of this careful breeding, these hybrids are fertile; you can breed them in the home aquarium. However, because these fish are aggressive, you must do so with a few precautions in mind.

Things You'll Need

  • Breeding aquarium
  • Thermometer
  • Large rocks and other aquarium decorations
  • Flat rocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a breeding aquarium. Because these fish are so large, the breeding aquarium will need to be large. An aquarium about 4 feet long and 2 feet wide is a good size. Usually, two flowerhorn fish in the same aquarium would need a lot more space, but since the fish will be together for only a short while, a smaller aquarium will work.

    • 2

      Measure the pH level of the water in the breeding aquarium. Flowerhorn fish are quite hardy and can usually tolerate a wider range of pH levels -- but for breeding, seek a pH around 7.0. If the pH is not correct, use water additives to adjust the level.

    • 3

      Install a thermometer in the breeding aquarium and maintain a temperature around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler climates, an aquarium water heater can raise the water to the correct temperature.

    • 4

      Place several large rocks or other aquarium decorations in the breeding aquarium. These will provide hiding places for the female if the male become aggressive. Place these decorations securely so they don't fall over. You can use plants, too, but flowerhorns can be very destructive and usually ruin any plants in an aquarium.

    • 5

      Place several flat rocks at the bottom of the aquarium. This is where the flowerhorns will lay their eggs.

    • 6

      Place a male and female flowerhorn in the breeding aquarium. Determining gender of flowerhorns can be difficult. You can palpitate the stomach area of the flowerhorn to determine gender. Since this can be dangerous if you do it incorrectly, it's best to have a fish expert do this. Experienced flowerhorn breeders can also provide you with a male or female fish.

    • 7

      Wait for the fish to breed. Flowerhorns, like most cichlids, are eager to breed, so this should happen quickly. The female will lay eggs on a flat rock. After the young fish hatch, the parents will usually work together to guard them. The male may become aggressive and steal the young fish from the female. If this happens, remove the female and let the male guard the fish.