How does an old flowerhorn act?
- Thread starter Mark Pogarasteanu
- Start date
Ok, good luck. Hopefully he gives you a couple more yrs of enjoyment.
I've noticed 'old' flowerhorns get that weird kind of pop eyed look with loose scales. Their nuchal hump sometimes looks like its shrinking and uneven. There's an overall loss of body tone too.
Not sure but I'd heard the more 'square body' strains live longer. Maybe around 8-10 or so.
I don't know, I haven't gotten into flowerhorns all that much, all I know is the higher grade, more inbred ones live shorter lives than the lower grade, less inbred flowerhorns.
I don't believe that compressed body types has much to do with longevity, except perhaps in extreme cases. If it did many of the fancy goldfish strains would also not make it past the 5 yr mark. Ditto to blood parrots, such as yours and my fish. With FH the only real criteria with breeders seems to be with looks, and pretty much everything else is disregarded. In fact, the key to the longevity of a FH breeder is that their fish do NOT survive long term, so buyers continue to keep coming back for more. From what I have seen over the years this business strategy appears to be working.
Short update.. he and his mate have laid another clutch of eggs, but he is getting more and more lethargic. Even after the water changes (about 80% weekly), which in the past were a cause of excitement for him and he would attack, well, everything. Now he just barely moves. Still eats though. I guess this might be the end for him. Again, thank you all for the input, and I will keep you posted.
Sorry to hear that Mark; on the bright side at least he had a girlfriend and had some fun with her; my Kamfa never has and likely never will experience that. Keep positive as you can, it might be the end or who knows it might possibly be a temporary condition, good luck.
