About Flowerhorn

The flowerhorn cichlid is a domesticated fish bred for its vibrant colors and unique "flower-shaped" head. This fish is a result of cross-breeding and does not naturally occur in the wild. Since the 1990's, flowerhorn cichlids have gained popularity with fish owners because of their bright coloring, unique appearance, and because they are easily cared for in aquariums.

  1. Breeding

    • Flowehorn cichlids were first bred in the 1990s in Malaysia by breeding various types of naturally occurring cichlids including the there-spot cichlid, the midas cichlid, and the redheaded cichlid. Because these species were created by fish breeders and do not naturally occur in the wild, there are no wild populations of flowerhorn cichlids in the world.

    Appearance

    • The flowerhorn cichlid is a colorful fish, with scales varying in color from green to blue to reds or pinks. Most often, flowerhorn cichlids have black markings on their sides. An adult flowerhorn cichlid can measure up to 30 centimeters in length. They are thick-bodied fish with long, pointed fins. The most distinctive feature of the flowerhorn cichlid is the large, rounded hump on its head. This is called a "nuchal hump."

    Scale Coloring and Price

    • Flowerhorn cichlids do not develop their bright coloring until they have matured. Because of this, young flowerhorn cichlids are commonly less expensive because their future coloring and scale pattern is unknown. Mature flowerhorn cichlids with vivid coloring patterns including bright pinks and reds are often much more expensive than other cichlids.

    Diet

    • Flowerhorn cichlids are carnivorous fish. They commonly eat earthworms, crickets, and krill. They are often fed special fish food designed specifically for cichlids. This food is usually in pellet-form and has high protein levels.

    Aggression

    • Like many types of beta fish, flowerhorn cichlids are known for their territorial and aggressive behaviors. Because of this, they are usually not kept in aquariums with other fish. Flowerhorn cichlids have even been known to bite their owners, especially when being fed. Flowerhorn cichlids show aggression toward fish of other species as well as their own.