flowerhorn cichlids

[nativelady76]

does anyone know any information on a red pearl flowerhorn cichlid
i have done a little reasearch and i am buying some equipment from someone who wants the fish to go with it . I know about most cichlids but have never heard of this one ... can you help

[N8DOGG]

look up the needs for a trimac....the FH is a hybrid of this fish. It will need a tank of at least 75 gallons, it may need to live by its self unless the tank is 125 Plus. I think it will get over a foot more like 14"+ (females smaller of course)I'm sure it looks nice but it could be very mean, or it could be a puppy dog of a fish too. Are you buying the tanks that its in? or just some equipment? Do you have a large tank for it? did the owner tell you if it can live with other fish?

[nativelady76]

I am buying the tank its in it is 75 gallons and the fish is already 8 inches long
he says the fh plays with the ball in the water but will kill any fish that goes in the tank...lol so she sounds like fun

[N8DOGG]

OK the 75 should be ok for it. And that sounds just like a FH....likes to kill all the tanks mates....it should be a great fsh.

[nativelady76]

how long can these fish live

[N8DOGG]

just a guess but 10+years

[Harry Tolen]

Definitely more than 10 years, if the lifespans of similar cichlids are any indication. I have several 13+ year old cichlids in my collection, and they show no sign of slowing down.

[nativelady76]

wow..
well i got the flower head and was told she/he is a hybred... what does that mean

[nugs]

wow..
well i got the flower head and was told she/he is a hybred... what does that mean

It means it's a cross of two different species of fish. It is not a natural occurring fish in the wild. Lots of people disagree with the sales of hybrids... for some reason, others don't.

ORIGIN: Believed to be a hybrid between Amphilophus citrinellus and Amphilophus trimaculatum first developed in Malaysia around 1996. Some claim that the hybrid has since been crossed with the "Giant Blood Parrot" -- a hybrid of its own. Hence the Flower Horn is a completely artificial fish and it lacks a bonified scientific name.

[N8DOGG]

Definitely more than 10 years, if the lifespans of similar cichlids are any indication. I have several 13+ year old cichlids in my collection, and they show no sign of slowing down.


I knew it was up there I just didn't want to say 15 on the dot. So whats a better range. 10-20 If properly taken care of??

I've had fish for 4+ years and had to give them when I moved but I defently look foward to having my new ones long as possible.

[nativelady76]

wow well looks like i have a parrot on my hand then
long life good companion lol..
well now here is what i have
1) 75 - will house the flower head
1) 55 2 jack dempsy
1)40 - not sure what to put in there yet
1) 30 for now i have 4 rainbow cichlids

[Nuriel]

flowerhorns are great, awesome colors when they are mature and terrific personalities!!!
try going to www.flowerhornaquarium.com or googling the term Luo Han.

[ChileRelleno]

Granted FH's are great looking fish, full of personality and are usually the typical aggressive Cichlid which we find so endearing.
Large aggressive Cichlids are very cool fish and yes, they live a long time, a longterm commitment indeed, just like a dog or cat.
I commend you for taking this fish in and giving it a good home and researching its needs, all living creatures need to be kept and bred responsibly.


But beware...
Hybrids are detrimental to aquaria/breeding and keeping pure species genetic pools intact. They can be almost impossible to distinguish from their pure parentage, and this is already a very real problem.
Please, if you ever have this fish breed, do not distribute/sell/trade/give away fry to anyone. Please do not buy hybrids from retailers or breeders, this only encourages them and furthers the ever increasing hybridization of these and other species for profit while increasing the likelyhood of more damage to pure gene pools.

Hybrids are very controversial, particularly in Cichlids due to their popularity and in some circles this discussion can be as inflaming as Religion or Politics.
Please research the Hybrid issue further, look at both sides and make a responsible decision for Yourself and Aquaria.

Thanks again for your adopting a potentially homeless fishy :D

[nativelady76]

while I appreciate the comment I dont think this fish is able to breed anyway
I think he or she is very happy alone she has from what i have been told killed every and any fish that has entered her tank so i dare not buy another fish only for her to kill... this is a very pretty fish and has a great personality... thank you for all the information and help!!