Flowerhorn: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

Flowerhorns are large hybrid cichlids with a big hump on the head. They bond with their owner and attack everything else, so each one lives alone.

Adult size
11.8 in30 cm
Smallest tank
75 gallons284 liters
How many
One only
Temperature
79–86 °F26–30 °C
pH
7–8
Temperament
Aggressive
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank does a flowerhorn need?

At least 75 gallons (284 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 75 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Hybrid cichlid.

How many flowerhorns in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if flowerhorns are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Keep one flowerhorn per tank, whatever the size. Of the common sizes, these are big enough: 75 gallon, 125 gallon.

Check flowerhorns against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • One fish, one tank: it attacks anything it lives with.
  • Keep one per tank. Two will fight over the floor.
  • It eats fish small enough to swallow. Choose tankmates at least half its length.

Tank mates for flowerhorns

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Betta: Flowerhorn (about 12 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).
  • Guppy: Flowerhorn is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as guppy.
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Flowerhorn likes 79–86 °F (26–30 °C), Oscar likes 73–81 °F (23–27 °C).

Questions and answers

What size tank does a flowerhorn need?

At least 75 gallons (284 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 75 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many flowerhorns should be kept together?

Just one. Flowerhorn adults fight each other in a home tank.

Can flowerhorns live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Flowerhorn needs at least 75 gallons (284 liters), and grows to 12 in (30 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do flowerhorns need?

79–86 °F (26–30 °C), with a pH of 7–8. In most homes that means a heater.

Can flowerhorns live with a betta?

It is not a good match. Flowerhorn (about 12 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.