{"product_id":"flower-horn-cichlid-flowerhorn-hybrid","title":"Flower Horn Cichlid | Flowerhorn (hybrid)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Flowerhorn is a man-made marvel with no wild ancestor — a hybrid cichlid bred for blazing colour, bold black flowerline markings and the huge fleshy forehead \"kok\" (nuchal hump). Growing to around 25–35 cm, it is a genuine wet pet that recognises its keeper and interacts through the glass, but it is aggressive and almost always kept alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlowerhorns exist only in captivity, developed from a mix of Central American cichlids such as \u003cem\u003eAmphilophus\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCichlasoma\u003c\/em\u003e species. There is no natural population, so care is modelled on the robust, hard-water conditions its parent species enjoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA deep, powerful body splashed with red, orange, blue and green, marked by a horizontal row of dark \"flowerline\" blotches and often pearly scale flecking. Mature males develop the prized large kok on the forehead. Every individual is unique, which is a large part of the appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAggressive and highly territorial, especially as it matures. Most Flowerhorns are kept as solitary specimens, as they will attack tankmates and even damage themselves against dividers. Any attempt at cohabitation demands a very large tank, robust tankmates and constant supervision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA hearty omnivore. Feed a quality cichlid pellet as the staple, with occasional prawn, mussel and the odd treat. Avoid overfeeding mammalian meats, and do not rely on colour-hormone foods for lasting results. Fresh, clean water matters more to colour than any additive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a large, robust tank with strong filtration and secure equipment, as these fish rearrange décor and dig energetically. Keep decoration minimal and heaters guarded. Regular large water changes are essential given the fish's size, appetite and mess.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlowerhorns can breed, but many males are functionally sterile. Pairs are open substrate spawners and can be extremely aggressive toward one another, so a divided tank and careful introduction are usually needed. Fry are guarded diligently by the parents.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlowerhorn (man-made cichlid hybrid)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlowerhorn Cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAquarium hybrid (Central American cichlid parentage)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25–35 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–12 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAggressive, territorial (keep solo)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400+ litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26–30 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9–20 dGH (medium to hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge single-specimen \"pet\" cichlid aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo (digs and uproots; will destroy plants)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest kept entirely alone. Where a keeper insists on tankmates, only very large, robust cichlids or armoured catfish in an oversized tank stand any chance, and even then conflict is likely.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmall or peaceful fish, other Flowerhorns, and any tankmate that cannot defend itself — this fish will dominate, harass and often kill companions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232806748451,"sku":"AA2292-S","price":26.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232806781219,"sku":"AA2292","price":31.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232806813987,"sku":"AA2292-L","price":36.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-30cm)","offer_id":55351965909283,"sku":"AA2292-XL","price":41.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/flower-horn-cichlid-flowerho-43886496448803.webp?v=1790306325","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/flower-horn-cichlid-flowerhorn-hybrid","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}