I was wondering if anyone has a somewhat definitive answer about the average life expectancy of a flowerhorn. I've been researching this and can't come up with an answer other than some say between 2-15 years. I know if they're "pumped-up" a lot they do not last as long. But, an average flowerhorn kept in good conditions, what is the life expectancy? In general are they a lot more prone to diseases than other large cichlids? I thought there must be people on here who can speak from experience about this. Thanks!
FH Question
- Thread starter bhfautsch
- Start date
Interesting. That seems to be what I'm finding after reading more threads. Before that I thought they lived longer. Thanks for the reply.
Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
It really comes down to a TON of factors. The first is the quality of the Flowerhorn. I have kept and breed Flowerhorns on and off for the last 10 years. A good strain can live a healthy life and make it for 5-10 years or even longer. When they are several years old its a good idea to add a lot of vegatable to their diet to slow down GI problems.
Any hybrid that has vieja or texas blood should be fed a considerable amount of vegetable matter from day one, not after it's several years old. It's important to be knowledgable about the diet of the species used to create fh & other hybrids, if fed properly -it's entire life- you should be able to avoid GI problems almost completely.
You would think mutt fish could live longer than pure breeds(because of the mixing of genes) but that's not the case because everyone wants the biggest and most colorful flowerhorn. Or maybe some of the line breeding has caused some bad factors within the genes? I can't call it... Just my thoughts.
+1
Many breeders only choose their stock for looks & shape, and they line breed to strengthen these traits, but thats only surface. Who knows what's going on physiologically/internally...