Fish
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Hybrid cichlid, no single wild species · also called flowerhorn
A bold red-and-black fish with a prominent fleshy bump on its forehead patrols its tank with an unmistakably aggressive confidence, a flowerhorn cichlid that exists nowhere in the wild, the product of decades of selective crossbreeding rather than natural evolution.
Overview
The flowerhorn cichlid is a man-made hybrid fish found only in captivity, developed by breeders in Malaysia and Taiwan beginning in the 1990s through selective crossbreeding of several South and Central American cichlid species. Its prominent head bump, vivid and varied colouring, and status as a cultural symbol of good fortune in parts of Asia make it one of the most distinctive and commercially significant ornamental fish in the aquarium hobby.
A fish built entirely by breeders
Unlike nearly every other fish kept in aquariums, the flowerhorn cichlid has no wild ancestry of its own to point to, having been assembled trait by trait from multiple parent cichlid species specifically to produce its signature head bump and vivid colouring.
Status
Not Evaluated, as conservation status does not meaningfully apply to a man-made hybrid with no wild population.
Flowerhorn Cichlid: common questions
Is the flowerhorn cichlid a real species?
Not in the traditional sense; it is a man-made hybrid created through selective crossbreeding of several South and Central American cichlid species, meaning it has no single scientific name and no wild population or natural range.
Why does the flowerhorn cichlid have such a big bump on its head?
The large, fleshy forehead bump, called a nuchal hump, is a trait that breeders have selectively bred for over generations, and it is especially pronounced in mature males, considered a desirable feature among flowerhorn enthusiasts.
Why is the flowerhorn cichlid considered lucky in some cultures?
Particularly in parts of Asia, its vivid colours and prominent head bump have led some cultures to view the fish as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, contributing significantly to its popularity in the ornamental fish trade.
Is the flowerhorn cichlid good for a community aquarium?
Generally not; it has an aggressive, territorial temperament and is usually best kept alone in its own tank rather than alongside other fish species.