lautnusantara.com_ The Flowerhorn fish, commonly known as Ikan Louhan in Southeast Asia, is one of the most popular ornamental freshwater fish due to its unique appearance and vibrant colors. It is easily recognized by the prominent hump on its head (called a nuchal hump or kok), striking body patterns, and aggressive personality. While it is often admired for its beauty and symbolism of good luck, the Flowerhorn is also a carnivorous fish capable of preying on smaller fish.

Origin and History

Flowerhorns are man-made hybrids, created through selective breeding of various South and Central American cichlids. The breed was first developed in Malaysia and Taiwan in the late 1990s. Since then, they have become a major trend in the aquarium world, especially in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and China. Many enthusiasts believe that Flowerhorns bring good fortune, particularly if they have markings that resemble numbers or Chinese characters.

Physical Characteristics

• Large head hump (kok or jenong), the fish’s signature feature.
• Bright, iridescent colors, often in red, blue, purple, or gold.
• Unique body markings, sometimes resembling letters or numbers.
• Expressive eyes and a thick, stocky body.
• Size: can grow up to 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) in captivity.

Carnivorous Nature

Although kept for display, Flowerhorns are true carnivores. They feed on protein-rich, meaty foods and have a natural instinct to hunt. When kept with smaller fish, Flowerhorns may see them as prey, which is why they are usually housed alone.

Common foods for Flowerhorns include:

• Small feeder fish (not recommended long-term)
• Shrimp (live or frozen)
• Crickets or insects
• Bloodworms and tubifex worms
• High-protein pellets formulated for cichlids

Aquarium Care Tips

1. Tank size: at least 100 liters (25+ gallons) for one adult Flowerhorn.
2. Water temperature: ideally 27–30°C (80–86°F).
3. pH level: between 7.0 and 8.0.
4. Filtration: strong filter is essential, as Flowerhorns produce a lot of waste.
5. Decorations: keep minimal to avoid injury and allow swimming space.

Personality and Interaction

Flowerhorns are known for their intelligence and social behavior. They can recognize their owner, follow hand movements, and even interact through the glass. However, they are highly territorial and may become aggressive toward reflections or perceived threats.

The Flowerhorn is a unique blend of beauty, personality, and predator instincts. Though classified as an ornamental fish, it retains its carnivorous behavior and needs proper care. When raised in a well-maintained environment with the right diet, Flowerhorns not only become stunning display pets but also interactive companions believed to bring good luck to their keepers.

If you are interested in our Coral Trout Fillet Skin On, CORAL TROUT WGG WHOLE GILLED GUTTED, TOMATO COD WHOLE GILLED GUTTED please do not hesitate to contact us through email and/or whatsapp.