Flowerhorn Cichlid

Looks how to spot one

Large, robust hybrid cichlid

A thick-set cichlid with a large mouth, rounded tail and a distinctive bulge on the forehead called the 'kok'. Males are larger and more vividly coloured with longer dorsal and anal fins; females often show dark spots on the dorsal fin. Many strains have a band of dark 'flower' markings along the side and some have red eyes.12

Personality what they are like

Bold and very territorial with other fish, but frequently friendly and responsive towards the person who cares for it.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active, strong swimmer that needs plenty of open space.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs a large tank, powerful filtration and regular water changes to cope with its size and appetite.2

Home where they are happiest

At least about 70 US gallons (around 265 L) for one fish and about 140 US gallons (around 530 L) for a pair. Temperature about 27-30 °C (80-86 °F), pH 7-8, hardness 8-20 dGH.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore. A good cichlid pellet as the base, with treats such as bloodworms, shrimp, worms and insects like crickets.2

Company who they like around

Usually kept alone. Very large, robust tankmates such as plecos or other big cichlids are sometimes tried, but compatibility is never guaranteed.2

The story where it all began

Flowerhorns were bred in Malaysia and Taiwan from the early 1990s by mixing several Central American cichlids with blood parrots. The fish became a craze in Asia in the late 1990s, prized for its domed forehead, which is linked with good luck in feng shui, and breeders have since developed many named strains.12

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy

Aquarium-bred hybrid with no scientific name; parentage includes Amphilophus labiatus, A. trimaculatus and blood parrot cichlids1