The Flower Horn Cichlid is a hybrid variety of South American cichlids with a

distinctive bulbous forehead. Although easy to care for, these fish can be very
aggressive towards other fish. They like to root around in their substrate and
redecorate their tanks frequently.

Species Overview

COMMON NAME: Flower Horn Cichlid

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Amphilophus hybrid

ADULT SIZE: 10-12 inches

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 8 to 10 years

TANK SIZE: 70-100 GALLONS

Characteristics
Family  Cichlidae 
Origin  Hybrid 
Social  Semi-aggressive 
Tank Level  Mid-dweller 
Minimum Tank 70 gallon 
Size 
Diet  Omnivore 
Breeding  Egg-layer 
Care  Beginner 
pH  7.0 to 8.0 
Hardness  8 to 20 dgH 
Temperature  77 to 84 F (25 to 29 C)

Origin and Distribution

The Flower Horn has a very unique beginning and is not found in the wild.
However, it has been mistakenly introduced into wild sites and is able to
reproduce. It is at risk of becoming an invasive species if it outcompetes native
species for food and space.

This hybrid species was created by cichlid hobbyists cross-breeding various

Central American cichlid species. It is suspected the Flower Horn came from a
cross of a Blood Parrot Cichlid, another hybrid species, and a Red Devil Cichlid,
but this is not verifiable. They are common in the hobby and some can produce
viable offspring from a mated pair.
Colors and Markings
Flower Horns are most recognizable for the large hump on their foreheads. This
structure is called a nuchal hump or kok and usually more distinctive on male
Flower Horns.

There are a few varieties of Flower Horns available in the commercial market. The
most common and most recognizable is the Red Dragon Flower Horn. The
juvenile Red Dragon is typically silver with some dark spots along the body. As
the fish matures, the coloration changes to a bright red. Typically, fish will have a
marbled pattern of red with white and/or black patches. Other varieties are lighter
in color, ranging from tan to yellow instead of red.
Lighter color variation of Flower Horn Cichlid  

nd3000/Getty Images

Tankmates
Given their slightly aggressive nature and large body size, it is hard to find a good
match for the Flower Horn. The best tank mate is another Flowerhorn, preferably a
mated pair. Both males and females can be aggressive towards others of their own
species. For two Flowerhorns, you will need a 150-gallon tank.

Some additional, larger fish that can stand their own against the Flower Horn
include the Oscar Cichlid and the Suckermouth (Plecostomus) Catfish.
Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus)  

Thiago Santos/Getty Images

Flower Horn Habitat and Care
Flower Horns tend to be a little rough on their habitats. Many Flower Horn tanks
tend to be slightly bare due to the destructive and curious nature of these fish.
They are known to dig up plant roots, overturn driftwood, and even move large
rocks. Rather than punish normal fish behavior and take their toys away, allow
them to decorate their tank as they see fit. These are very curious, almost playful,
fish that appreciate enrichment from various décor items. Stick to soft substrate to
keep your Flower Horn from causing too much trauma to their skin as they root
around.

Given their large tank requirement and tendency to not play well with others,
Flower Horn tanks tend to be easier to take care of. Be sure to choose a filter to
keep up with your larger tank and be sure to stick to a regular maintenance
schedule.

Flower Horn Diet and Feeding

These hybrid cichlids are omnivorous and well accustomed to eating pelleted and
other prepared foods. Choose a large cichlid pellet to anchor their diet and then
you can supplement with both vegetable and meaty treats. Flower Horns have a
very healthy appetite and can be overfed if owners are not paying attention to their
diet. Treats should be given once or twice a week at most. Given their warmer
water preference, twice a day feeding minimum is required.

Gender Differences
It can be difficult to tell male from female Flower Horns. The large forehead bump
may be more distinctive in males, but this feature can fluctuate in size rapidly over
a few days, and some males do not have one. Males also tend to be larger than
females, but it will depend on a fish's underlying genetics and diet.

If you are able to look at your fish's vent when they are fully mature, female
Flower Horns will have a "U"-shaped ovipositor in their vent, whereas the males
will have a "V"-shaped genital papilla in their vent. As described, this can be very
hard for some to differentiate, but is the only way to verify a mating pair.