Origin
Created through selective breeding of various Central American cichlids (like Amphilophus, Vieja, and Trimac) in the late 1990s, particularly in Southeast Asia. It has no natural origin, but is now globally bred.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Large, imposing fish with intense red, pink, or blue hues, pearlescent markings, and a bulbous forehead. Extremely aware of surroundings and often recognizes and interacts with caretakers.

Purpose
Serves as a showpiece in solo or predator-style tanks. Some consider it a “pet fish” due to its high intelligence and interactivity. Adds motion and drama to otherwise minimal layouts.

Importance
Popular in Southeast Asia for feng shui beliefs (especially the nuchal hump, seen as auspicious). Known for bonding with owners and showing individual personality traits.

Included Resources
Requires strong filtration, frequent water changes, a heater, and minimal tank décor. Avoid sharp edges—Flowerhorns dig and may damage themselves. Cover tank with lid due to potential aggression or jumping.

Best Use Cases
Large solo tanks (75 gallons+), or with robust, aggressive fish in carefully curated predator tanks. Common in competition displays or feng shui-inspired setups.

Conservation Context
No threat to wild ecosystems if contained. As a manmade species, it plays no role in natural conservation but raises concerns if released into wild habitats.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Best kept alone
• Possible tankmates: large catfish (e.g. bichirs, plecos), armored doradids, or other similarly sized aggressive cichlids (with caution)

Region (A)
• Latitude: 3.1390° N
• Longitude: 101.6869° E
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — origin of early breeding lines)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 13.7563° N
• Longitude: 100.5018° E
(Bangkok, Thailand — hub of Flowerhorn hybrid development)