A new species of cichlid was introduced in the latter part of the 90's in MalaysiaIt was done by cross-breeding several South American cichlids which resulted to what we now know as the flowerhorn fish. The flowerhorn fish have a distinctive hump on their head and characteristic black markings on their sides.The black markings in the side of the flowerhorn fish sometimes resembles Chinese characters or numbers are thought to bring luck. The hump on the head of the flowerhorn fish is also thought to bring fortune since it somehow resembles the Chinese god of longevity. The distinctive appearance of the flowerhorn fish manifests in both the male and female flowerhorns.Unlike other fish hybrids, the male and female flowerhorns are fertile and can be bred easily.Being capable of breeding and being associated with being bearers of fortune, the flowerhorn sale boomed at the initial years after being introduced to the market.

Keeping flowerhorns is relatively easy. A 200-Liter capacity will be enough to house one flowerhorn fish.Flowerhorn fish are not sensitive to small degrees of variation in the water condition. However, it is advised to have a water pH slightly basic or close to neutral since acidic conditions tends to fade the color of the flowerhorn. Flowerhorns can be kept up to a group of three in aquariums, provided that ample space is there and that there are accessories that will act as the partitions of the territories. Likewise, male and female flowerhorns may be kept in the same aquarium, especially when the intention is to breed. When trying to breed, a flat surface should be provided where the female flowerhorn will lay her eggs. Male flowerhorns tend to guard the territory, chasing other fish away, while the female flowerhorns guard the eggs.

Flowerhorn fish, may it be male or female, resembles one another. However, when they reach about 10-12 cm they can be distinguished when the anal pore is checked Female flowerhorn has a U shaped anal pore while the male flowerhorn has a V shaped anal pore. Also, mature female flowerhorns have a smaller hump compared to their male counterpart. Despite the slight difference in appearance, the flowerhorn sale for both male and female flowerhorns are at par.


The value of the flowerhorn in the commercial market has declined over the years. Only those flowerhorns with very distinct marks such as those that resembles the Chinese character for luck or those with a well proportioned hump are valued at the highest price. The apparent decline in the market value of the flowerhorn did not stop breeders from continuously breeding flowerhorns to enhance their features. Breeding of the flowerhorn fish is still being done to further develop and create flowerhorns with more distinctive markings and colors.

There are groups of people, however, who detest the flowerhorn fish. Since the flowerhorn fish was a result of human manipulation, some religious groups as well as environmentalists do not like the idea of having something that is not of nature. The flowerhorn fish has been considered an abomination of nature since it would not exist without the tampering of man. There are groups as well that consider the flowerhorns a threat to the ecosystem.

The flowerhorn fish indeed captured attention of many. At the end of the day, the flowerhorn fish will still continue to be one of an aquarists favorite, may it be because of the good Feng Shui associated with it or by its aesthetic value.