Kinds of Flowerhorn

Flowerhorns are ornamental tropical fish that are well-known for their characteristic head protuberance and vibrant colors. These attractive fish are tank-spawned hybrids that are not found in nature. Flowerhorns were first developed in Taiwan and Malaysia from crossing various South American cichlids. The Taiwanese believe that these interesting fish bring prosperity and good luck to those who keep them. Aquatic enthusiasts continue to spawn different color variations of this fish, but four main flowerhorn breeds exist in 2011.

  1. Zhen Zhu

    • Colors in the zhen zhu vary slightly, but the principal colors are represented by golden and red tones. The zhen zhu has an egg-shaped body, with long and stranded fins. The caudal or tail fin droops in mature fish. This breed of flowerhorn has bulging eyes that are typically red in color. Zhen zhus have protruding lips, of which the lower lip is prominent. The flower pattern lines on the zhen zhu may be double or triple, while the distinctive bulge on its head is dependant on the exact bloodlines that were used to produce the individual specimen. The zhen zhu is distinguished by its vivid colors and flower and pearl pattern.

    Golden Monkey

    • The golden monkey breed is often referred to as the classic strain, as it was created by Lou-Han when the flowerhorn was first being developed. The original golden monkeys exhibited grey, green and metallic colors over their body and invariably had white eyes. With ongoing breeding, the golden monkey became available with red eyes. The body of this breed is broad and stocky when compared to the other three main breeds of flowerhorns. The golden monkey has a large tailbone and its fins must not droop. This breed resembles the golden flowerhorn (kamfa) more than the zhen zhu, but its pearl markings are more extensive and spread across the head bump. The golden monkey has a shorter face than the zhen zhu. The full face of this flowerhead breed is said to remind one of a monkey.

    Golden Flowerhorn (Kamfa)

    • The golden flowerhorn (kamfa) is available in a number of pearl and flower patterns and can exhibit yellow, red or white eyes. The best examples of this breed of flowerhorn, possess thick bodies and a full, rounded face with large gill covers. Their back or caudal fin should resemble a fan and this fin should also form a rectangle shape with the back fin. Not all golden flowerhorns have flower line patterns.

    Faders

    • This flowerhead breed was so named because the dark coloration of the juvenile fish begins to fade at a point and the adult's beautiful red and yellow coloration becomes evident. As with the other three principal flowerhead breeds, the faders exhibit the coveted flower patterns.