Flowerhorn Cichlid — Complete Care Guide

Published: 2026-09-17 · FishyKart Blog

The Flowerhorn cichlid is a man-made hybrid freshwater fish prized for its striking nuchal hump (called kok), vivid red-orange markings, and intense personality. Also known as Hua Luo Han, the Flowerhorn was selectively bred in Malaysia in the 1990s by crossing South and Central American cichlid species — it does not exist in the wild. It requires a minimum 75-gallon (280-litre) tank, temperature of 28-30°C, and pH of 7.0-8.0. Lifespan is 10-12 years.

Flowerhorn cichlid fish with prominent nuchal hump in aquarium

Photo: Psiĥedelisto — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Types of Flowerhorn Cichlid

King Kamfa Flowerhorn cichlid with large round nuchal hump

Photo: Leewillfh — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

  • Kamfa / King Kamfa: Sunken eyes, fan-shaped tail, large round kok. Most prized variety with strongest hump development — see the dedicated Kamfa guide for how to tell it apart from other lines.
  • SRD (Super Red Dragon): Vivid red-orange body with black flower markings. Fast grower — covered in the SRD guide.
  • Thai Silk (Titanium): Metallic blue-silver sheen, no black markings. Rare and highly collectible.
  • Zhen Zhu (Pearl Flowerhorn): Pearlescent scales, rounder body. Most common beginner variety.
  • Golden Monkey (Fader): Born black, fades to brilliant gold at 2-4 months. Collector favourite.

Tank Setup

  • Tank size: Minimum 75 gallons (280 litres); 125 gallons for a pair
  • Temperature: 28-30°C (82-86°F)
  • pH: 7.0-8.0; hardness 8-20 dGH
  • Filtration: Canister or sump rated 3-4× tank volume/hour
  • Substrate: Sand or bare-bottom — Flowerhorns dig aggressively
  • Water changes: 30-40% weekly; ammonia 0 ppm, nitrate below 20 ppm

Feeding

Flowerhorn cichlid feeding in aquarium

Photo: Yercaud-elango — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

  • Pellets: high-quality cichlid pellets formulated to develop kok and enhance red colour
  • Frozen foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill — 3× weekly
  • Live food: Earthworms, feeder guppies (quarantine 2 weeks first)
  • Colour enhancers: Spirulina + astaxanthin deepens red pigmentation

Common Health Issues

  • Hole-in-the-Head (HITH): Caused by Hexamita + poor water. Treatment: Metronidazole + 50% water changes.
  • Ich: White spots. Raise temp to 30°C + aquarium salt + Ich-X.
  • Bloat: Swollen abdomen. Fast 2-3 days + Metronidazole.
  • Fin Rot: Frayed fins. Improve water quality + broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Buy Flowerhorn Fish Online

Healthy Flowerhorn fish

Photo: Aditi Jivani — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

FishyKart sources Flowerhorns from trusted breeders with strong genetics and vibrant colour. Every fish is quarantined and health-checked before listing.

Buy Flowerhorn Fish → Browse All Cichlids →

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Flowerhorn fish get?

Adult Flowerhorns reach 30-40 cm (12-16 inches). Males grow larger with a more pronounced nuchal hump.

What do Flowerhorn fish eat?

High-protein cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, and earthworms. Feed 2-3 times daily.

How long do Flowerhorn fish live?

10-12 years with proper care, good water quality, and a varied diet.

Can Flowerhorn fish live with other fish?

Flowerhorns are highly aggressive and best kept alone. Tank dividers are strongly recommended if housing with other large cichlids.

What size tank does a Flowerhorn need?

Minimum 75 gallons (280 litres) for one adult. Use a canister filter rated for 3-4× tank volume per hour.