Flower Horn Fish: A Unique Hybrid Profile
The Flower Horn Cichlid is a striking hybrid fish known for its prominent bulbous forehead. This fish is straightforward to care for, but it can be quite aggressive toward other fish. Flower Horns enjoy digging around their substrate and often rearrange their tanks.
Species Overview
- Common Name: Flower Horn Cichlid
- Scientific Name: Amphilophus hybrid
- Adult Size: 10-12 inches
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
- Tank Size: 70-100 gallons
Characteristics
- Family: Cichlidae
- Origin: Hybrid
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Tank Level: Middle-dwelling
- Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
- Diet: Omnivore
- Breeding: Egg-layer
- Care Level: Beginner
- pH Range: 7.0 to 8.0
- Water Hardness: 8 to 20 dgH
- Temperature: 77 to 84°F (25 to 29°C)
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Background and Habitat
The Flower Horn is a unique hybrid fish not found in the wild. However, it has been unintentionally introduced to some wild areas and could become invasive. This hybrid was developed by crossbreeding various Central American cichlids, such as Blood Parrot and Red Devil Cichlids.
Appearance and Markings
Flower Horns stand out due to their pronounced forehead hump, often more noticeable in males. The most popular variety is the Red Dragon Flower Horn, which starts as a silver fish with dark spots and transforms into bright red as it matures. There are other color variations as well, including shades of tan and yellow.
Compatible Tankmates
Due to their slightly aggressive behavior and large size, suitable tankmates for Flower Horns are limited. The best option is another Flower Horn, ideally a mated pair. Additional options include larger fish like Oscar Cichlids and Plecostomus catfish.
Habitat and Care Tips
Flower Horns tend to be rough on their environments, often moving rocks and digging up plants. As such, their tanks may be more sparsely decorated. Provide soft substrate to avoid injury and enrich their environment with decor items. Regular maintenance and a proper filtration system are essential for their care.
Diet and Feeding
Flower Horns are omnivores that thrive on large cichlid pellets as their main diet. Supplement with vegetable and meaty treats, limiting these to once or twice a week. They require twice-daily feedings and can be overfed if not monitored.
Differentiating Gender
Telling male and female Flower Horns apart can be challenging. Males may have a more pronounced forehead hump, but it can change size quickly. Typically, males are larger than females, but it depends on genetics and diet. Observing the fish's vent is the only surefire way to distinguish gender, but it can be difficult.
Breeding Flower Horns
Breeding these hybrids can be unpredictable. While some can produce viable offspring, success is not guaranteed. If attempting to breed, use a separate spawning tank with smooth rocks for the female to lay eggs on. After breeding, return the female to the main tank and allow the male to care for the eggs. Raising the water temperature slightly may aid spawning. The fry hatch in a few days and should be fed high-protein and fat diets.
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