Species profile

Flowerhorn Cichlid

Cichlasomatinae

Common names: Flowerhorn Cichlid, Flowerhorn

Trade nameCichlids

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Adult size

Up to 40 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

A keeper with room for a large aquarium
A dedicated tank built around this one fish

Think carefully if

You cannot provide about 540 litres for a fully grown fish
You keep shrimp you want to protect

A man-made hybrid, first bred in Malaysia around 1993, famous for its bright colour and the large hump on the male’s head. Keep alone or in a small group in 540 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A man-made hybrid, first bred in Malaysia around 1993, famous for its bright colour and the large hump on the male’s head. It is aggressive, usually kept alone and often hand-tame. Importing it is banned in Australia, and released fish have become invasive in parts of Asia.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males usually grow larger, with longer fins, but sexing can be hard outside breeding.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 2,160–2,700 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 550–800 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 540 litres
Minimum tank length: 150 cm
Minimum group size: 1
Recommended group size: 2
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: Low to moderate
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

Provide wood, rocks and clear territories, with enough open water for a fish of this size. Strong filtration helps, because cichlids produce a lot of waste.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A characterful fish that interacts with its surroundings and often recognises its keeper.

Often best as a pair, or as a small group in a roomy tank.

Can be territorial, especially when breeding.

Best kept alone, because it is aggressive towards almost all tankmates and can seriously injure them.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 24–30 °C
pH: 6.5–8
GH: 5–25
Stability importance: Important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Parameter caveat

Keep up regular water changes, and acclimatise new fish slowly.

Feeding

Diet types: Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Quality pellets or flakeA good staple. Choose a size that fits its mouth.
Frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimpOffer several times a week for colour and condition.
Algae or vegetable-based foodInclude some plant matter for balance.

Takes good-quality pellets, along with frozen foods for variety.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding type: Substrate Spawner
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Parental care: Variable
Baby foods: Newly hatched brine shrimpThe fry can usually take this from the start.
Crushed flakeA simple addition as they grow.

Lays its eggs on a cleaned surface, such as a stone, leaf or the bottom of the tank, and the parents may guard them. Move eggs or adults if you want to raise many fry.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Captive Bred, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Natural habitat: River
Aquarium contexts: Large Freshwater Aquarium, Planted Aquarium, Species-Only Aquarium
Audience level: Specialist

Classification

Profile type: Trade name
Genus: Amphilophus
Species group: Cichlids, Fish

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