They are not technically balloons, like Chris said. They are genetically bred to have short bodies similar to short bodied flowerhorns. Isn't that right Chris? Anyway, the lil fella cost me 20.00 bucks. They also had green terror Balloons. They are nasty lil devils though. They were tearing apart the the other lil texas in the tank. So far, really personable fish. Very relaxed and all over the tank.