Flowerhorn cichlids are hybrid cichlids derived from crossbreeding different American cichlids. The exact origin was for a long time unknown but exact breeding history is today known and it is possible to fall the heritage of the different types and strain. The fish where initially only popular in Asia but have over time earned a lot of fans in Europe and the united states as well. Today there are a long row of different Flowerhorn cichlid types and strains. The work continues to develop new even more stunning fish. This development is fueled by the high prices that A grade fish can be sold for but also by the competition circuit where Flowerhorns are exhibited in shows where they compete against each other similar to how dogs compete in a dog show.
Flowerhorn cichlids have also sparked a lot of controversy as they are hybrids and many fish keepers believe that we should avoid creating hybrids on our aquariums. Another cause of controversy is that flowerhorns has made it into the wild where their aggressive nature can cause problem for the local Eco system.
Many Flowerhorn cichlids are very pretty and it can be tempting to buy one of you are lucky enough to see an adult specimen in a fish store. It is however, like with all fish, important that you know what you are buying and that you can care for it before you buy it. Flowerhorns are big aggressive cichlids that need to be kept by themselves (most commonly) or with other equally big and aggressive cichlids that can stand their ground against the Flowerhorn. It is important to remember that even fights between evenly matched aggressive cichlids can end with one the fish dead and it is therefore a risk if you place an expensive Flowerhorn cichlid with any other fish species.
The aquarium need to be of sufficient size and well filtered as Flowerhorn dig and are messy eaters, there is little point in having any plants in the tank. The tank should instead be decorated using different rocks and roots that create a stimulating environment for the fish. They should be fed a varied diet and it is important not to give them too much fatty food as they have a tendency towards obesity.
Elvis strain flowerhorn cichlid
Flowerhorn cichlids can be breed with a number of different American cichlid species and this is something that should be considered if kept in a community aquarium. Especially if you keep them with any species you want to breed and get pure offspring from. To breed Flowerhorn under more controlled circumstances it is usually required to use a separated to prevent the male from injuring or killing the female. It is important to understand the history and lineage of Flowerhorn if one want to create a high quality of spring. We hope to post another article on this heritage soon.
If you have an aquarium of sufficient size and with sufficient filtration to devote to a Flowerhorn than it will make a stunning show fish that will grow quickly and be easy to care for as Flowerhorn as the American cichlids they originate from, are hardy fish.
I recommend everyone who has the opportunity, knowledge and facilities to keep this fish at least one as they are charismatic stunning fish despite their controversial origin.
