Flowerhorn Fish — Care Guide, Types & Price

Updated: April 2026 · FishyKart

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 in Chinese aquarium culture, 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, water temperature of 28–30°C (82–86°F), and pH of 7.0–8.0. In India, Flowerhorn fish prices range from ₹500 to ₹5,000 depending on grade, hump size, and colour pattern. Lifespan in captivity is 10–12 years.

Flowerhorn cichlid fish with prominent nuchal hump in aquarium

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

Price in India

Flowerhorn prices in India vary by grade, bloodline, and hump development:

  • Grade A — Show Quality (large kok, deep colour): ₹3,000–₹5,000
  • Grade B — Good colour, medium hump: ₹1,500–₹3,000
  • Grade C — Juvenile or basic pattern: ₹500–₹1,500
  • Imported Thai Bloodline / King Kamfa: ₹5,000 and above

Buy Flowerhorn fish online at FishyKart — live arrival guarantee, express delivery across India including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune.

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. The most prized variety with strongest hump development. Genetic roots in Vieja and Parrot cichlid crosses.
  • SRD (Super Red Dragon): Vivid red-orange base with black "flower" pearl markings along the lateral line. Fast grower, extremely popular in India.
  • Thai Silk (Titanium): Metallic blue-silver sheen with no black markings. Bred from Vieja synspila crosses. Rare and highly collectible.
  • Zhen Zhu (Pearl Flowerhorn): Pearlescent scales with scattered black spots, rounder body profile. Most common beginner variety.
  • Golden Monkey (Fader): Born black, "fades" to brilliant golden-yellow at 2–4 months. Dramatic colour transformation makes it a collector favourite.

Tank Setup

Flowerhorns are aggressive, highly territorial fish — they must be kept alone or with a divider. A dedicated single-species tank produces the healthiest, most colourful specimens.

  • Tank size: Minimum 75 gallons (280 litres) for one adult; 125 gallons for a mated pair
  • Temperature: 28–30°C (82–86°F) — use a submersible heater with a thermostat
  • pH: 7.0–8.0; hardness 8–20 dGH
  • Filtration: Canister or sump filter rated for 3–4× tank volume/hour — Flowerhorns produce heavy bioload due to high-protein diet
  • Substrate: Sand or bare-bottom — easiest to maintain; Flowerhorns dig aggressively
  • Décor: Minimal — smooth river stones, PVC pipe caves. Avoid sharp decorations that cause injury
  • Water changes: 30–40% weekly; maintain ammonia at 0 ppm, nitrate below 20 ppm
  • Lighting: Moderate — 8–10 hours per day; intense lighting enhances red pigmentation

Feeding

Flowerhorn cichlid feeding in aquarium Bangalore India

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

Feed 2–3 times daily. A varied diet maintains colour intensity, promotes kok growth, and supports immune function:

  • Cichlid pellets: Hikari Cichlid Gold or Okiko Platinum — high-protein pellets specifically formulated to develop the nuchal hump and enhance red colouration
  • Frozen foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill — 3× weekly as protein supplement
  • Live food: Earthworms, feeder guppies (quarantine 2 weeks first) — stimulates natural hunting behaviour and reduces boredom aggression
  • Colour enhancers: Spirulina pellets and astaxanthin-rich foods deepen red and orange pigmentation

Feed only what the fish consumes in 2 minutes. Remove all uneaten food immediately to prevent ammonia spikes.

Common Health Issues

  • Hole-in-the-Head Disease (HITH / Hexamita): Pitting erosion lesions around the head and lateral line. Caused by poor water quality combined with Hexamita parasite. Treatment: Metronidazole + 50% water changes.
  • White Spot / Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis): Salt-grain white spots on body and fins. Treatment: raise temperature to 30°C + aquarium salt + Ich-X.
  • Bloat: Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite. Often caused by overfeeding, internal parasites, or bacterial infection. Treat with Metronidazole + fasting for 2–3 days.
  • Fin Rot (Aeromonas / Pseudomonas): Frayed, discoloured fins. Improve water quality immediately + broad-spectrum antibiotic (kanamycin or erythromycin).

Why Buy from FishyKart

Healthy Flowerhorn fish available online at FishyKart India

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

FishyKart sources Flowerhorn cichlids from trusted Indian breeders with proven genetics, strong hump development, and vibrant colouration. Every fish is:

  • Quarantined and health-checked before shipping
  • Packed in oxygen-filled bags with thermal insulation
  • Shipped via express courier with live arrival guarantee
  • Delivered pan-India — Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata

Buy Flowerhorn Fish → Browse All Cichlids →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Flowerhorn fish get?

Adult Flowerhorns reach 30–40 cm (12–16 inches). Males are larger with a more pronounced nuchal hump. Provide at least 75 gallons for comfortable growth.

What do Flowerhorn fish eat?

Flowerhorns eat high-protein cichlid pellets (Hikari, Okiko), frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, and earthworms. Feed 2–3 times daily and remove uneaten food within 2 minutes.

How long do Flowerhorn fish live?

With proper care, Flowerhorn cichlids live 10–12 years. Consistent water quality, varied diet, and a spacious single-species tank are the keys to longevity.

What is the price of Flowerhorn fish in India?

Flowerhorn fish cost ₹500–₹5,000 in India. Grade A show-quality fish cost ₹3,000–₹5,000; juvenile Grade C fish start from ₹500. Imported Thai bloodlines cost ₹5,000+.

Can Flowerhorn fish live with other fish?

Flowerhorns are highly aggressive and are best kept alone. In very large tanks (200+ gallons), they may coexist with other large cichlids like Oscars, but tank dividers are strongly recommended to prevent injury.

What size tank does a Flowerhorn need?

Minimum 75 gallons (280 litres) for one adult Flowerhorn. A 125-gallon tank is ideal. Use a powerful canister filter rated for 3–4× tank volume per hour to manage heavy bioload.