Fader Flowerhorn (Male) - FH002

FH002 — Exact Fish Guarantee

FH002 refers to this exact Flowerhorn. The images shown are of the exact fish you will receive.

About the Flowerhorn Cichlid

The Flowerhorn Cichlid is one of the most distinctive ornamental freshwater fish available, famous for its enormous nuchal hump (kok), vibrant colouration, pearling, and unique personality. Flowerhorns are captive-bred hybrids rather than a naturally occurring species, with different strains displaying a wide range of colours and patterns.

Depending on the strain, Flowerhorns can develop brilliant reds, oranges, yellows, blues, and metallic pearling, often combined with a dark horizontal "flower line" along the body. Their appearance can change considerably as they mature, making growing specimens particularly interesting to keep.

Flowerhorns are intelligent, highly interactive fish that often learn to recognise their owner and may respond to movement outside the aquarium. They are also strongly territorial and are generally best kept alone. Their size and aggressive nature mean they require considerably more space than most community aquarium fish.

A large aquarium with powerful filtration, good water movement, open swimming space, and a sturdy setup is recommended. Flowerhorns are notorious for rearranging decorations, so avoid fragile ornaments or plants that can easily be damaged.

A high-quality Flowerhorn or large-cichlid pellet should form the foundation of their diet, supplemented with appropriately sized frozen foods and occasional nutritious treats. Avoid excessive feeding in an attempt to artificially accelerate growth or kok development.

With their extraordinary appearance, intelligence, and personality, Flowerhorns are a specialist fish best suited to aquarists prepared to dedicate an aquarium specifically to them.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Amphilophus hybrid
Common Name: Flowerhorn Cichlid
Origin: Captive-bred hybrid
Adult Size: Approximately 25–30 cm
Temperament: Highly territorial / Aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 250 Litres
Temperature: 24–30°C
pH: 7.0–8.0
Water Hardness: Moderate
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Lifespan: 8–10+ Years
Suitable For: Dedicated Flowerhorn aquariums and specialist large-cichlid setups

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Flowerhorns aggressive?

Yes. Flowerhorns are highly territorial and can seriously injure or kill other fish. They are generally best kept individually.

How big do Flowerhorns get?

Most mature Flowerhorns reach approximately 25–30 cm, depending on genetics, strain, diet, and husbandry.

What is the hump on a Flowerhorn's head?

The large forehead structure is called the nuchal hump, or kok. It is one of the defining features of Flowerhorns and can vary significantly between individual fish and strains.

Can Flowerhorns live with plants?

They can be difficult to keep with plants because they frequently dig, move substrate, and damage decorations. A bare-bottom or simply decorated aquarium is often much easier to maintain.

What do Flowerhorns eat?

A quality large-cichlid or Flowerhorn pellet should form the staple diet. Frozen foods can be offered as variety, but excessive feeding should be avoided.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in a community aquarium
Flowerhorns are highly territorial. A dedicated aquarium is generally the safest option.

Using a tank that is too small
These fish become large and produce significant waste. Adequate swimming space and filtration are essential.

Weak filtration
Flowerhorns are messy eaters and heavy waste producers. Oversized biological and mechanical filtration is recommended.

Overfeeding to increase the kok
Genetics play a major role in kok development. Excessive feeding can lead to obesity and poor water quality rather than a better fish.

Using fragile decorations
Flowerhorns dig and move objects. Choose sturdy aquarium-safe décor that cannot injure the fish.

Poor water quality
Regular water changes and strong filtration are essential for maintaining health, colour, and long-term growth.