Red Flowerhorn

Premium Red Flowerhorn cichlid for sale – a stunning, aggressive show fish reaching 20cm, demanding expert care and a spacious tank.

• Overview & Temperament: The Red Flowerhorn is a man-made hybrid cichlid, prized for its vibrant red coloration, prominent nuchal hump (kok), and unique, flower-like patterns. This fish is highly territorial and aggressive, making it unsuitable for community tanks. It is best kept alone in a species-only setup to prevent injury to itself and other fish. Its bold personality and interactive behavior make it a centerpiece for dedicated aquarists.
• Water Conditions: Flowerhorns require stable, pristine water to thrive. Maintain a temperature of 26-30°C (79-86°F) with a pH of 7.0-8.0 and hardness between 8-20 dGH. They are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, so a robust filtration system (canister or sump) is essential. Perform weekly water changes of 30-50% to keep nitrate levels low. Adding aquarium salt (1 tablespoon per 20 liters) can help reduce stress and prevent disease. Use a heater with a thermostat to avoid temperature fluctuations.
• Tank Setup & Size: A minimum tank size of 200 liters (55 gallons) is required for a single adult Red Flowerhorn. The tank should be long rather than tall to provide swimming space. Use a bare-bottom tank or fine sand substrate for easy cleaning. Decorate with large, smooth rocks and driftwood to create hiding spots, but avoid sharp objects that could injure the fish. Strong water flow is appreciated, mimicking their natural riverine habitat. Ensure a tight-fitting lid as they are known jumpers.
• Suitable Tank Mates: Due to extreme aggression, Red Flowerhorns are best kept alone. If you attempt a community tank, only consider other large, robust cichlids like Oscars, Jaguar Cichlids, or Green Terrors, but be prepared for constant aggression and potential casualties. Even with these, a very large tank (400+ liters) with ample hiding places is mandatory. Most keepers opt for a single-specimen tank to fully appreciate the fish's beauty and avoid stress.
• Feeding Habits: Red Flowerhorns are omnivorous with a strong appetite. Feed a high-quality cichlid pellet or stick food as a staple, specifically formulated for large cichlids to enhance color and growth. Supplement with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, and chopped earthworms 2-3 times per week. Avoid overfeeding; offer only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, twice daily. A varied diet supports their immune system and encourages the development of the nuchal hump.
• Care & Health: These fish are hardy but prone to common cichlid diseases like Hole-in-the-Head (HLLE), ich, and bacterial infections. Maintain excellent water quality and a stress-free environment. Quarantine any new additions for 2-4 weeks. Monitor for signs of illness: loss of appetite, clamped fins, or white spots. Regular water changes and a balanced diet are the best prevention. Their aggressive nature means they may injure themselves on decorations, so provide smooth surfaces. Lifespan is typically 8-12 years with proper care.
• Breeding & Special Notes: Breeding Red Flowerhorns is challenging due to aggression; they are usually paired with a specific mate from a young age. The female will lay eggs on a flat stone, and the male will fertilize them. Both parents guard the fry, but aggression can occur. Remove other fish immediately. The distinctive nuchal hump develops with age and is influenced by genetics, diet, and water quality. This fish is not recommended for beginners due to its demanding care and aggressive temperament.