This is one hell of a fish when it comes to character, looks and size. This is an example of man's quest to attain certain characterestics. A result of selctive breeding which include, the highly unpopular inbreeding( fishes have a weak bloodline and are susceptible to diseases) and cross between to subtypes. The flowerhorn is said to have been bred from red parrot chiclids and the other parentage still unknown.
The protruding head (Nuchal hump) is a special characteristic said to mimic the "god of luck/ laughing buddha".It is mainly a depocite of cartilege and fat which has been aquired through selective breeding.
Another important thing to look at is the colouration and markings on the body.The markings are beleived to bring luck as per Geomancy (an ancient technique of interpretting signs). Hence this fish very rapidly became a prized possession among Taiwaneese and later to the world. The irridiscent markings are also an added attaction on these fishes.
By nature, these fishes do not exist. That explains their extreme territorial agression towards anything and everthing entering the water. They wont be shy even having a go at your hand(non fatal). This coupled with a very curious nature makes them a delight to watch when something approaches the tank. They are solitary fishes and can grow upto less than a foot in length. It has an average life span of a dog (almost 7-8 years)!!!
Now, if your considering about a new pet, this is what you need to keep in mind. A tank of minimum 4x2x2 feet. A good filter as they dirty the water a lot. Some small sized pebbles ( these guys are builders.... they like picking up the stones and building something like a wall in the corner). And the fish offcourse (you get them lets say s,m,l,xl....). Avoid the s,xl. Smaller ones do not have colouratin or characteristics and hence difficult to interpret the quality. The larger ones, well lets say a common cannot tell the age, so they must be old!. The best buys and often expensive are the medium sized ones with just the amount of development need to identify quality. Since they have reached adulthood they are less susceptible to diseases than the smaller and older ones. They cost arround Rs.4000 when I last checked.
These guys like live feed, so arrangements will be needed for ocassional live feed ( shrimp,goldfishes/guppies... available as feeder fishes)
Although they are hard fish, they are susceptible to stomach problems. Overfeeding or infected live feed are the issues. The main symptoms of overfeeding related issues is the formation of gas in the stomach, resulting in the fish swimming upside down. Swim bladder infections. But these are only observed in really old fishes. Breeders have been heard saying the fish should only be fed once a week.Preferable live. Pellet food(for specially flowerhorns. E.g Hi red) is available and could be alternately used to enhance colour.
These guys are solitary fish, it will attack and kill any other fish (smaller) in the tank, partition glass is recommended to seperate these guys.
Overall a fun fish and receives a thumbs up!
The protruding head (Nuchal hump) is a special characteristic said to mimic the "god of luck/ laughing buddha".It is mainly a depocite of cartilege and fat which has been aquired through selective breeding.
Another important thing to look at is the colouration and markings on the body.The markings are beleived to bring luck as per Geomancy (an ancient technique of interpretting signs). Hence this fish very rapidly became a prized possession among Taiwaneese and later to the world. The irridiscent markings are also an added attaction on these fishes.
By nature, these fishes do not exist. That explains their extreme territorial agression towards anything and everthing entering the water. They wont be shy even having a go at your hand(non fatal). This coupled with a very curious nature makes them a delight to watch when something approaches the tank. They are solitary fishes and can grow upto less than a foot in length. It has an average life span of a dog (almost 7-8 years)!!!
Now, if your considering about a new pet, this is what you need to keep in mind. A tank of minimum 4x2x2 feet. A good filter as they dirty the water a lot. Some small sized pebbles ( these guys are builders.... they like picking up the stones and building something like a wall in the corner). And the fish offcourse (you get them lets say s,m,l,xl....). Avoid the s,xl. Smaller ones do not have colouratin or characteristics and hence difficult to interpret the quality. The larger ones, well lets say a common cannot tell the age, so they must be old!. The best buys and often expensive are the medium sized ones with just the amount of development need to identify quality. Since they have reached adulthood they are less susceptible to diseases than the smaller and older ones. They cost arround Rs.4000 when I last checked.
These guys like live feed, so arrangements will be needed for ocassional live feed ( shrimp,goldfishes/guppies... available as feeder fishes)
Although they are hard fish, they are susceptible to stomach problems. Overfeeding or infected live feed are the issues. The main symptoms of overfeeding related issues is the formation of gas in the stomach, resulting in the fish swimming upside down. Swim bladder infections. But these are only observed in really old fishes. Breeders have been heard saying the fish should only be fed once a week.Preferable live. Pellet food(for specially flowerhorns. E.g Hi red) is available and could be alternately used to enhance colour.
These guys are solitary fish, it will attack and kill any other fish (smaller) in the tank, partition glass is recommended to seperate these guys.
Overall a fun fish and receives a thumbs up!
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