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Maximum size : 40.5 cm
Flowerhorn Cichlid - Cichlasomatinae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Flowerhorn Cichlid (Cichlasomatinae) is a standout choice for hobbyists seeking unique and sizable cichlids. These fish possess engaging personalities and exhibit remarkable engagement with their surroundings, making them irresistible to aquarists. In addition, in the world of aquarium fish hybrids, Flowerhorns are among the most visually striking results of interbreeding cichlids. Thanks to their hardiness, these cichlids are easy to care for. If you intend to keep them with other fish, the tank must be significantly larger, given their considerable size. Although they may occasionally seek refuge behind rocks, Flowerhorns prefer to spend most of their time in the open. It's best to avoid keeping living plants in their aquarium as they will likely consume them. It's recommended to keep Flowerhorn Cichlids in individual displays rather than in community tanks unless the tank is exceptionally large, as these fish are territorial and aggressive. Be attentive to signs of injury or stress in any tank mates. These fish are known to bite hands, causing lacerations and marks on human skin, so exercise caution when handling them. Decorate your tank in a way that provides natural borders for their territory, preventing other fish from entering their line of sight. One of the most exciting features of the Flowerhorn Cichlid is it's evolving colouring and patterns as it matures. Four different types of Flowerhorns are available: Regular, Pearl Scale, Zhen Zhu, and Golden. The Flowerhorn Cichlid boasts a thick, oval body with a prominent nuchal hump. Most have bluish-green metallic scales and reddish-pink colouration in the front half of their body, with a black horizontal marking on most but not all. The caudal fins are rounded and spade-like, while the anal and dorsal fins are long and pointed.Flowerhorn Cichlid Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
The traditional means of identifying the sex of the White Hercules Snail has yet to be established, although several theories have been posited. It has been suggested that when adults are primed for breeding, a thick tube may protrude from the vent, with some asserting that the male's tube is more comprehensive, while others propose that the female's tube is thicker. In addition, specific individuals believe that the vent itself is enlarged rather than the tube, while others speculate that the female may exhibit a dark spot on her dorsal fin.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Cichlasomatinae |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1993 |
| Other Names | Hua Luo Han Cichlid |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Cichlasoma |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 40.5 cm |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Loners |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | up to 10 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 9 - 20 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 80 - 89 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 26.7 - 31.7 |
Natural habitat
The Flowerhorn Cichlid, a striking aquarium fish, is exclusively bred in captivity and is not found in the wild due to its hybrid nature. The initial crossbreeding of several South American cichlid species occurred in Malaysia during the mid-1900s, leading to the creation of the first hybrid Flowerhorn. The first generation of Flowerhorns, known as Hua Luo Han Cichlids, was established in 1998 by breeding the original Blood Parrot with the Jingang Blood Parrot hybrid. During the early days of their introduction to the United States, only two types of Flowerhorns were available - the Regular Flowerhorn and the Golden-based family - each with two subtypes of their own.How to breed the Flowerhorn Cichlid
Breeding the Flowerhorn Cichlid is a challenging undertaking due to their potential to turn on one another and engage in combat. In contrast to other hybrid fish, the Flowerhorn Cichlid is capable of producing offspring. Therefore, the first step in successfully breeding these fish is to be mindful of the fish's lineage to ensure that the desired colours and patterns are produced in the young. Providing the female with ample hiding places is essential to avoid the male's persistent aggression towards her. If the male becomes overly aggressive, a divider with a raised bottom can be employed to allow them to interact while preventing physical contact. It is important to remove other potential spawning locations, thereby compelling the female to deposit her eggs in a location that can be readily fertilized by the male. The water flow should be directed from the male's side to the female's side to facilitate fertilization. Feeding the Flowerhorns with frozen and live foods and conditioning them in advance, like any other breeding cichlid, is highly recommended. Additionally, increasing the temperature to the higher end of the range, maintaining a neutral pH, feeding the fish multiple times a day, and conducting regular water changes can help prevent the water from becoming overburdened with biological waste. During the breeding process, the Flowerhorns will zealously guard their eggs and fry. Even if the parents are on amicable terms, the male may view the fry as his property and attack the female to keep her away from them. In such cases, the female should be removed immediately. Once the fry has hatched, they do not require much care and can consume newly hatched brine shrimp after approximately one or two weeks. High-quality crushed flakes and pellets can also be fed to the young.Diet & feeding
The Flowerhorn Cichlid, being carnivorous, possess a substantial appetite and can be susceptible to being underfed. It is thus crucial to ensure that they receive adequate nourishment. Flowerhorns readily consume various types of fresh, live, and high-quality frozen foods. In addition to quantity, food variety is equally critical, making it essential to provide them with a well-balanced diet that comprises a mix of high-quality cichlid pellets, bloodworm, krill, earthworms, nightcrawler-crickets, as well as carotene-enhanced supplements.Other Cichlids you maybe interested in
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