Whats the big deal about Flowerhorns? why are they so expensive?

Answer 1

First introduced to Malaysia around 1995, the Flower Horn is believed to be a hybrid between two cichlid species from Central and South America which has since been crossed with other species and therefore lacks a scientific name. A Flower Horn may grow up to approximately 12 inches in length depending on its breed and may live to 8 to 10 years. The fish is aggressive and carnivorous, and can only be kept alone in a tank or with other large aggressive fish.

A colourful and exotic fish, the Flower Horn is valued for its nuchal hump, pearl dots, redness, shapeliness of its body and natural patterns that look like Chinese characters. Many beliefs and superstitions are associated with the fish and its physical features and body parts, some of which resemble that of ancient Chinese deities and mythical beings.

One myth surrounding the Flower Horn is that the Chinese deity of prosperity had a hump in his neck and so does the Flower Horn. Its nuchal hump is also said to resemble the Chinese deity of longevity, and it is believed that as the nuchal hump grows so does the bank balance, prosperity and longevity of the owner. Moreover, the name Hua Luo Han has been linked to monks in Chinese mythology.

Another distinctive feature is its black, coloured side markings, which develop as the fish matures. These side markings are said to resemble lucky numbers or Chinese calligraphy or symbols or even Arabic wordings. Some Flower Horns have reddish pink side markings that are heart-shaped; these are said to bring excellent luck in love. Some Flower Horns cichlids have been found with the Chinese word for prosperous on their sides. While some people believe the Hua Luo Han has hidden sure-win 4D numbers inscripted on their bodies that are interpreted differently by each individual. Many use those numbers to play lottery

Even presently, the fish enjoys immense popularity owing to its Feng Shui identity, especially among Feng Shui believers. The Flower Horn or Hua Luo Han has been touted as the Feng Shui fish for the current period of 8, which began from February 2004 and will last 20 years, just as the arowana was dubbed the Feng Shui fish for the previous period of 7, which was from 1984. “The Flower Horn is a potent Feng Shui symbol.

Of course, not everyone believes the myths and supernatural ability of the Flower Horn to bring good luck. Yet, it has remained the most popular fish among fish hobbyists and aquarium specialists. Many owners claim it to be the most beautiful fish. “It serves quite well as an ornamental fish, and the peculiar hump on its head is regarded as unusual and cute.

I have been keeping flowerhorns since 2006, and have noticed that they are amongst the most responsive and intellegent fishes that one can opt for.

Answer 2

The main reason Flower horns can be expensive is because they're not necessarily easy to breed.

They are a hybrid, but simply mating the different fish together doesn't produce the results the engineers are looking for, it can take a lot of line breeding and a great many throw-aways.

Plus they can because they get it.

Answer 3

If you get them when they are small, they are like 4 bucks. As they get bigger they develop a bump on their head, the bigger it is the better, and the markings on the side of them can sometimes look like symbols which makes them worth more, they are believed to be lucky. Plus they are a VERY aggressive fish, so they are pretty cool.

Answer 4

Well, here in malaysia the chinese believe that it brings luck.. actually, once believed.. now, they are being made into dishes at chinese restaurants because of the over breeding