Red Dragon Flowerhorn (5.5”)

Scientific Name:

Hybrid species (exact lineage includes species from the Amphilophus, Paraneetroplus, and Cichlasoma genera)

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 12–16 inches (30–40 cm)

• Lifespan: Typically 8-10 years with excellent care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum tank size:

  • 75 gallons (284 liters) for a single adult

  • 125 gallons (473 liters) or more if attempting to keep with other large cichlids

• Long, wide tanks preferred over tall ones

Water Change and Care:

• Water temperature: 80–86°F (27–30°C)

• pH: 6.8–8.0 

• Water changes:

  • 30–50% weekly

  • Maintain strong filtration and aeration — Flowerhorns are messy and produce a lot of waste

• Keep a tight-fitting lid — they may jump
  

Tankmates:

• Best kept alone due to extreme aggression

• Possible large, robust tankmates in a very large tank:

  • Silver Dollars and Tinfoil Barbs, Jaguar cichlids, Large Cichlids, Armored Catfish and Plecos

• Avoid:

  • Small fish (will be eaten)

  • Peaceful or slow-moving species (will be harassed)

Diet:

• Omnivorous with carnivorous preference

• Feed a varied, high-quality diet:

  • High-protein pellets (e.g., Hikari Cichlid Gold, XO Super Red)

  • Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, krill, tilapia, shrimp

  • Vegetables (occasionally): peas, spinach

• Feed 1-2 small meals per day. Fast 1 day per week to reduce bloating risk

Overview:

The Super Red Dragon Flowerhorn is a man-made hybrid cichlid known for its striking red coloration, prominent nuchal hump (kok), and interactive personality. They are not found in the wild and were bred in Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan through selective crossbreeding of Central American cichlids.

They are intelligent, often recognizing their owner and showing interest in movement outside the tank. However, their territorial behavior means they’re best suited for dedicated solo tanks or experienced aquarists managing large aggressive fish systems.

Breeding:

• Flowerhorns can breed, but results are often infertile

• Breeding pair setup:

  • 75+ gallon divided tank

  • Introduce female slowly and monitor aggression

  • Use egg crate or divider until pair is compatible

• Spawning:

  • Female lays eggs on a flat surface

  • Male fertilizes; may eat or protect the eggs

• Parental care:

  • Some pairs are attentive, others cannibalize

  • If fertilized, eggs hatch in 2–3 days

• Fry diet: baby brine shrimp, finely crushed flake or powdered fry food