[FONT="]The Flower Horn Fish, or [FONT="]Luo Han as it is popularly known, has taken the aquatic world by storm within the last two years, particularly in South-East Asia. Its popularity is gaining momentum day by day, and it is set to become an internationally known fish compared with the likes of the Discus Fish and Arowana. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]The Flower Horn Fish is basically from the Cichlid family, of the genus [FONT="]Cichlasoma, which is commonly found in South America. This beautiful hybrid is thought to be the end product of cross breeding between the [FONT="]Cichlasoma Trimaculatus, Cichlasoma Festae[/FONT], Jingang Blood Parrot, and others. Nowadays, a lot of better quality Flower Horns are being produced due to the intensified eagerness of breeders to produce the best show quality fish for the market. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]Some reports claim that the Flower Horn Fish is a "mutated" breed of fish. Rest assured that this is just a claim. Flower Horn Fish have gone through a lot of selective cross breeding in order to have the best characteristics of the respective strains of the Cichlid family. For instance, most breeders are striving to produce Flower Horns with a bigger nuchal hump on the forehead, better colouration, bolder black markings on the body (which at times resemble Chinese characters), more elegant fins, and wider bodies. No chemicals, or biogenetic engineering have been incorporated to improve on the traits/characteristics of the Flower Horn. Thus, the claim that this is a mutated fish is unfounded. [/FONT]
[FONT="]This fish is very hardy, and can endure water conditions that are not suitable for most breeds of aquarium fish. This is also part of the reason why the Flower Horn is well received by many tropical fish hobbyists. But the ideal pH level in the water should be around pH 7 to 7.8, with water temperature ranging between 27 °C to 32°C. For temperate/colder climate regions, just use a conventional water heater. With regards to aquarium size, try to have at least 4 feet (length) by 2 feet (width). [/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]As the Flower Horn is from the South American Cichlid family, the fish are very territorial. Thus, they are very aggressive in nature. Keeping them with other fish is not advisable, especially smaller fish. Some parties have claimed that they can "play" with the Flower Horn. In actual fact, the Flower Horn is actually trying to get rid of the "intruder" (be it a stick or a person's hand). Therefore, it is advisable that we keep our hands to ourselves as the fish have quite a nasty bite depending on their size. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Flower Horns are not selective with food and their consumption is high. Worms, small shrimps and pelletted fish food will do fine. What type of food or whether their stomach is fully filled are not a major issue, but types of food which do not pollute the water should be taken into consideration. You can underfeed but not overfeed Flower Horns, thus it is advisable to feed them two to three times daily. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Flower Horns may grow up to approximately12 inches in length depending on the breed, and may live for eight to ten years. I have seen Flower Horns that were 16 inches long, bred by a skillful fish breeder. [/FONT]
[FONT="]You can visit www.FlowerFish.com, which have lots of other interesting photos and information on Flower Horn Fish. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Selecting A Beautiful Flower Horn Fish[FONT="] [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]The Flower Horn fish is considered by the Chinese as the most auspicious fish that is developed by aquarists to date (much to the frowns of many Western purists). Its every characteristic is somehow related to prosperity, health and wealth, to the owners of the fish, of course! The nuchal hump, the colour, the aggression, the so-called "pearls", etc is much sought after. For the bigger, the brighter or more active fish believes to tell directly on the owner's level of abundance. So, how do you select the best fish? [/FONT]
[FONT="]Forehead:[FONT="]
The forehead or "Nuchal Hump" of the Flower Horn fish is the main focus of attraction of the Flower Horn fish and is much sought after. After all, the main reason (among others) that this fish is so popular is because of its unique feature: the head! [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]A fully developed forehead, which is round and tender, is a symbol of luck, prosperity, longevity and happiness. It enhances the glory of its owner. A huge and beautiful forehead that harmonizes with its body qualifies it to be a fish of choice. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Some even believe that as the head grows bigger and bigger, so does the level of prosperity to the owner! A fully developed forehead decorated with evenly spread red spots is more preferred. Such a forehead is called "li-zhi" forehead resembling the auspiscious Chinese fruit : Lychee! top [/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]Colour:[FONT="] [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]The colour on the fish should be naturally pleasing yet intense enough to generate excitement. The more varied and intense the colours, the more outstanding the fish will be. The base colour of the fish should not be pale and dull. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Nowadays, the Flower Horn fish possess lots of shimmering/luminiscent scales or so-called "pearls". There are generally 2 colours on the "pearls": blue and green. Some "pearls" are by patches, like an armour and some are bright dots like stars in the sky. These "pearls" add more spectrum of colors and shine to the fish and is a considered a "must-have" on the latest Flower Horn fishes. The most auspiscious gem for generations of Chinese must be pearls, hence, the more "pearls" on the body of the fish, the better! top[/FONT]
[FONT="]Form / Responsiveness or first Impression.[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Among the numerous strains of flower horn, those which are most active or responsive to people are most interesting. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The Flower Horn fish is an aggressive and territorial type of fish and will chase away any intruder to its territory. Because of this nature, early owners of the fish started "playing" with their fishes by training their pet to follow their hands. This is done by gently swaying the hands OUTSIDE the tank and letting the fish follow the fingers. If this is done correctly, the fish can be trained to do "loop-the-loop" or "topsy-turvy"! [/FONT]
[FONT="]A healthy fish will naturally chase away any intruders to its territory and the more active the fish is, the more interesting it is to "play with it", thus the more form or responsiveness. top[/FONT]
[FONT="]One of the many interesting aspects of the Flower Horn fish is the black horizontal markings on its body. Many early hobbyists have hit jackpots or strike lottos/lottery by buying the numbers supposedly seen on these black markings. What actually stemmed from a lucky play of imagination (just like imagining an animal-like figure from cloud formations) resulted in a belief system that the Flower Horn fish is auspiscous and brings luck to its owners.Some markings even resembles lucky Chinese characters and this fetch a very high price for its owner! [/FONT]
[FONT="]This belief still prevails till today, so most hobbyists regards that the more the black marking on the fish, the better. A general idea is that if the marking extends from the base of the tail to the middle of the fish's body, it is A grade. Anything lesser than that, is B grade or C. If the marking fully extends to its gill cover, the fish is of AA or double A quality. Sometimes there are verticle black markings that extends right up to the dorsal fins and that is called double-row marking. Some people do not like this because in their opinion, the fish is dark or "dirty" in colour. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Anyway, it is almost near impossible to find the perfect fish which is double A grade and have beautiful colours and big head. These types are considered show quality or competition level fish and is very rarely found. Most of the times, if the colour and the head of the fish is good, a good marking is oftentimes not necessarily a must-have. top[/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]Managing Your Flowerhorn Aquarium[/FONT]
[FONT="]If you're thinking about purchasing a beautiful Flowerhorn fish, you're not alone. The beautiful Flowerhorn fish is one of the more popular additions to your aquarium. However, if you have chosen a Flowerhorn, proper tank management is essential. It is, indeed, more important to practice a good tank management than it is to purchase the suitable type of fish for your tank.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Proper fish tank management and beautiful Flowerhorn fish complement each other perfectly. It is, therefore, crucial for all hobbyists to have proper knowledge of good fish tank management. While it is not as simple as dumping clean water in every few weeks, it isn't as terribly complicated as you may imagine. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The Tank[FONT="]
As the Flowerhorn's ancestry originated from the Central and South American cichlids, it is essential to set up your tank to a closely simulated natural habitat for the fish, which at the same time, is incredibly pleasing to the eye. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Various sizes and designs of fish tanks are available at your local fish store. Choose one that will complement your house, and always assume that your Flowerhorns will grow to be about 500 mm in length. It is advisable to get at least a 3 feet tank to start comfortably. Acrylic aquariums are recommended as these tanks are leak proof, lightweight and the wall materials provide exceptional clarity. The SeaClear 26 gallon flat back hexagonal tank is one good example of an acrylic tank that is great for keeping Flowerhorns.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Tank Accessories[FONT="]
Once you've gotten the tank, you may want to think about backgrounds. Various attractive background designs for aquariums are easily available. Choose one that will fit the natural environment of the fish. Added pebbles, stones and gravels is a good idea as well. They can be used as substrate for biological filtration as well as a tool to help smooth and polish the teeth of Flowerhorns as they dig, shove and carry these pebbles. Keep in mind that in captivity, the teeth of the Flowerhorn tends to be quite sharp, and if you can help to take the edges off a bit with pebbles or gravel, less damage will be caused during mating or fighting sessions. Once you've added that gravel, expect to see it migrate around the tank a bit. Flowerhorns tend to build their 'nest' by moving the pebbles and stones from one place to another. This behavior normally indicates that the fish has matured, and it is ready for mating purposes.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Even though you may think that sunken pirate ship looks neat, other unnatural tank ornaments are discouraged. These do not serve any purpose at all in the tank, and they may even be hazardous because they can cause accidental cuts and injuries on your Flowerhorns. These fish possess fierce territorial behaviors, and fights among fishes are common. Keeping objects like these in the tank only causes problems during fights.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Lighting[FONT="]
Suitable aquarium lighting will enhance the coloration and the overall physical development of your Flowerhorn. It is recommended that you place your tank where is it able to get at least an hour of indirect sunlight a day. While you may worry that algae will infest your tank because of the sunlight, with proper water quality management, your tank should not go green with algae with that minute amount of sunlight. If sunlight isn't possible in your living space, getting a full spectrum light is advisable. Be sure to leave it on for four to eight hours a day to maintain the color development of your Flowerhorn.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Water quality[FONT="]
Flowerhorns are 'hardy', which means these fish are highly adaptable to different water conditions, including bad water ones. However, just because they're 'hardy' fish doesn't mean that you should keep poor water conditions in your tank. Adequate feedings and frequent water changes promote better growth, and, as a result, can even change the whole body morphology of the fish. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Water pH level and Mineral Content[FONT="]
Water pH levels indicate the acidity and alkalinity of the water. Dissolved minerals in the water are often termed the "hardness" of the water. These two water parameters are interrelated. The water is considered 'hard' when there is a high content of dissolved minerals in it (like calcium), and normally the pH of 'hard' water is above 7, which is more alkaline. When there's a lack of dissolved minerals in the water, it is considered 'soft,' and thus the pH will be lower than neutral making it acidic.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Local breeders have indicated that higher pH levels (7.5 to 7.8) will favor the growth of the nuchal hump, and lower pH levels (6.1 to 6.5) will favor color development in Flowerhorn fish. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Proper pH powder is widely used to maintain water quality. As a bonus, with its aloe vera and electrolytes contents, it also works to eliminate chlorine and heavy metals from the water while reducing fish stress. Depending on which traits you desire in your Flowerhorn, it is possible to adjust your water pH level accordingly. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Temperature[FONT="]
Flowerhorns are tropical fish. They can survive in water with various temperature ranges, but they grow well in water temperature of 28°C. During transportation, the water temperature is usually maintained at about 22°C, and the temperature is raised to about 30°C when the fish is sick. This, though, doesn't mean that all illnesses are curable this way. Check out the "Common Illnesses" section for more information. A simple thermometer may be purchased to monitor water temperature changes in your tank.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Dechlorination[FONT="]
Tap water is commonly used by hobbyist, but most tap water contains high levels of chlorine, which poses a danger to your Flowerhorn. High chlorine toxicity may lead to fatalities. Dechlorination of tap water is crucial prior to usage. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Conditioner instantly removes and detoxifies heavy metals from tap water. Add one teaspoon to your water to treat up to ten gallons.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Filtration systems[FONT="]
In an artificial aquatic environment, a good filtration system is extremely important. Flowerhorns feed on huge amounts of food, and as a by product, they secrete large amounts of ammonia. A good filtration system eliminates solid wastes from the fish, leftover food, ammonia and even dusts from the atmosphere. There are various types of filters available in the market. The efficiency of these filters depends on usage, stocking density and other factors. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Mechanical filters work mainly to sieve out wastes, but they do not break it down. It makes the water clear, but this doesn't mean it is 'clean,' as the ammonia produced by fish is still in the tank. The misconception of 'clear water' being 'clean water' often contributes to a lot of fish deaths. A mechanical filter normally uses filter wools and filter sponges as sieve materials. Mechanical filters work best coupled with biological filters. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Biological filters are more efficient as they provide bio-media surfaces for beneficial bacteria to grow on. Bacteria colonize these surfaces and 'work' on the ammonia waste left by fish to break it down into fish friendly water components. You can read more about this in the "Ammonia and Nitrogen Cycle" article.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Flowerhorn fish are quite beautiful, and they'll make a lovely addition to your home aquarium display, but ensuring successful aquarium management is essential to keep your fish healthy and happy.[/FONT]
[FONT="]How to Sex Your Flower Horn Fish. [/FONT]
[FONT="]For most hobbyists, the male Flowerhorn is preferable to the female because of the different traits and behaviors they exhibit. For example, the male has big nuchal humps. In Chinese Fengshui, these are believed to bring good luck. Moreover, the males are more attractive. They have more vibrant colors, and their bodies are much broader. Females tend to be much smaller, and their features are far less attractive. However, if you're interested in breeding your fish, you must have both sexes in your tank.[/FONT]
[FONT="]In order to get the Flowerhorn sex you really want, hobbyists are advised to purchase a fish of 4-6 months of age. This way, the sex of the fish is able to be determined. There are, though, various sexing methods at any age. The table below summarizes the these methods according to different life stages of Flowerhorns.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Sexing of Flowerhorn fish at different stages[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Age and length[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Characteristic[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Sexing Method[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]2 months
(1mm - 30mm)[/FONT]
[FONT="]. [FONT="]Juvenile stage.
. Colors and body patterns are not noticeable.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] No known method. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Observations shows larger sized fish within the same batch tend to be males. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]2 - 5 months
( 30 mm - 150 mm)[/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Colors and body patterns are becoming more distinctive.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Distinctive black marking on the dorsal fin indicates that it is a female. However, this is not foolproof. The same pattern does exist on some male Flowerhorns.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Observations on the shape of the genital papillae. V-shaped papilla indicates a male fish, while a U-shaped papilla indicates a female fish. Gently squeezing the abdominal region may reveal the papillae.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]. [FONT="]Male Flowerhorns will have broader body with higher dorsal, anal and caudal fins. It is also observed that male Flowerhorns will have thicker jawline and more distinctive body color.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]5 months and above
(150 mm - 600 mm)[/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Flowerhorns begin to mature. Distinctive and rather prominent head humps are visible on the male fish.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]How To Breed The Flowerhorn fish. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The breeding of Flowerhorns is a rather easy task. There are, though, a few preparations that need to be made prior to breeding. One of the most important things you can do is prepare ar new bare bottom tank to store the tiny fries once they are ready to leave the parents' nest. Do not install any filter mechanisms as the small fries will get sucked into the filtration system. An air stone is particularly sufficient for aeration purposes. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Selection of the breeding pairs is crucial prior to breeding. Desired phenotypic outcomes depend solely on the parents. Most of the time, it is almost possible to predict the external characteristics of the offspring produced by a pair of Flowerhorns. Thus, breeding Flowerhorn has an exciting aspect, as you would know the outcome of the selective breeding. Flowerhorns breed year round. No external stimuli are needed for breeding purposes, but you must place the breeding pair in a clean, big tank. An aquarium heater regulated to 28?C can be placed in the aquarium, but it is not compulsory. The use of a mechanical filtration system is sufficient to remove any feces and debris in order to keep the water quality in check as breeding pairs do not consume much food during this period. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The breeding pair need to be well fed at a fixed regime until they are ready to spawn. A balanced diet is crucial to produce fish well laden with eggs and milt. Broodstock can be fed with various types of food including live and pellet feeds. [/FONT]
[FONT="]If you intend to breed your Flowerhorn, you will need a few pairs of fish. Some pairs might not be suitable for each other. Normally, a mating pair is put in the same aquarium with a partition in the middle to separate the two. The female will usually develop black stripes all over its body when it is time to mate, and appetite loss is quite common. Observations also show that the female's genital papilla will start to swell. It is advisable to cover the sides of your tank with newspapers or any other materials. This provides adequate privacy for the mating pair as they are easily frightened or disturbed during the mating period. When they are ready, females will secrete pheromones, and this signals the males to start spawning. Initially, this pair will show aggression toward each other through the partition. When the pair has stopped showing this behavior, the partition can be removed. Once you remove the partition, if they still seem to be 'fighting', observe further. If one fish is standing its ground instead of running to another corner, it means that they are actually courting each other instead of attacking. If the pair continues fighting until one of them is visibly injured, it means that this pair is not ready or not compatible for the moment. Separate them and try again after a few days. [/FONT]
[FONT="]If they are indeed a mating pair, the male fish will start to search for a breeding spot. In a tank with pebbles and gravels, the male fish will start clearing a chosen spot by removing all the pebbles. However, in a bare tank, none of this activity will take place. If you are using a bare tank, you should place a floor tile in the tank, because Flowerhorns will prefer a rough surface for spawning. Female Flowerhorns normally lay eggs close to the air stone, or where there's a good flow of water, as this can help aerate the eggs. Moreover, because the water circulates in this area, a fungal attack on the eggs is prevented. Female fish will deposit rows of eggs, then the male will follow behind, fertilizing the eggs with its milt. This will continue until the female has deposited all of its eggs. No disturbances are allowed during the spawning moment as this will result in the parent eating the eggs as a natural protective measure. [/FONT]
[FONT="]A female Flowerhorn is able to produce approximately 500-2000 eggs at a time. The parents will usually take turns fanning the eggs with their fins to rid of unwanted debris or to prevent any fungal attack. It is advisable to add methylene blue (Hyperlink) or any anti-fungal treatment at a1mg/l gallon ratio to prevent a possible fungus attack. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The eggs will take a few days to hatch. When this happens, remove the parents. Once the parents are removed, be sure to practice proper fry management. [/FONT]
[FONT="]How to Import (Wholesale) [/FONT]
[FONT="]All our flowerhorn fishes are shipped by international airline and can be flown to virtually any international airports in the world. All fishes are individually packed in double layered plastic bags with an extra paper or plastic lined between. We approximate about 48 hours of pure oxygen for each fish. Once properly tied with rubberbands, these plastic bags housing the fish will be put into our standard Styrofoam boxes in accordance with International Air Transport Association (I.A.T.A) regulations. [/FONT]
[FONT="]These sealed boxes are escorted by our freight agent's team to the Penang International Airport, just to ensure that the shipment is safely and punctually uplifted. Prior to that, all the proper documentations will be done and the fishes will be inspected by a Malaysian Fisheries Department officer for clearance. All the fishes are guaranteed to arrive alive or full credit of the portioned fish (DOA) is fully refunded (sorry, freight charges cannot be refunded). Capacity of the styrofoam box may differ with size of the fishes, destination or customer's request. [/FONT]
[FONT="]
You do not have to worry about oxygen and fluid weight calculations. Below are the procedures when an order is placed by our customer: [/FONT]
[FONT="]1. An order of the flower horn fish has been placed by you. [/FONT]
[FONT="]3. Health Certificate will be issued. [/FONT]
[FONT="]4. The Flower Horn Fish will be kept and not fed for 48 hours prior to being packed for the flight. [/FONT]
[FONT="]5. The airline company will issue an air waybill. This acts as a receipt that the shipment of flower horn fish has boarded the airline. [/FONT]
[FONT="]6. We will then immediately fax you the air waybill to confirm that the fish has boarded that particular flight. [/FONT]
[FONT="]7. Upon arrival to the destination city, you can obtain the original air waybill from the air cargo office of that particular airline. [/FONT]
[FONT="]8. Proceed to the customs / clearance to claim your shipment. In most countries, the fish will be inspected by a Fish and Wildlife, Fish and Game, Animal Health Arm, Animal Quarantine, or other relevant authority. For US customers, please contact your nearest US Fish and Wildlife Service Office. [/FONT]
[FONT="]9. Take the fish home. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Flower Horn Fish Import & Wholesale Enquiry [/FONT]
[FONT="]Have you come across Flower Horn breeders who promise you show-quality Flower Horns but when your shipment arrives, you get show-quality "rubbish" horns? [/FONT]
[FONT="]How many times have you received pictures of fish that you want to buy, only to find out that "what-you-see-is-NOT-what-you-get" when the actual shipment arrives? [/FONT]
[FONT="]Have you heard of nightmare stories of money sent to some obscure parts of the world and the fish not arriving at all? [/FONT]
[FONT="]Have you heard of importers getting diseased fish from foreign breeders and contaminating their existing fish room or pet store? [/FONT]
[FONT="]These are some of the many common problems faced by Flower Horn fish importers in their haste to make some money. They are stuck with ugly Flower Horn fishes that simply cannot sell, thus having their start-up capital gone, practically swimming in the tanks. Alternately, they are simply cheated of the money they sent and never received the quality Flower Horns as promised. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Rule No. 1: Buy Only Flower Horns That Are Sure To Sell and Not Half-Baked Promises by Exporters Half-Way Around the Globe! [/FONT]
[FONT="]The most prevalent problem is that you are primarily dealing with a foreign fish exporter (fish agent) who are not Flower Horn breeders themselves. They go around to Flower Horn fish farms, taking pictures of the beautiful flower horns, and they claim that the fishes (or even the breeding farms ) are theirs.
Usually once the order is confirmed with the importer, these agents will go back to the breeder to buy the fishes only to find out that sometimes the fish has already been sold by the breeder. Because of this, sometimes "stand-in" or "substitute" fishes are sent by the agent to the importer instead!
All these common problems can be avoided if you deal directly with the breeder themselves and not through third party fish agents or middle-men. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Rule No. 2: Buy Directly from Reputable Flower Horn Breeders and Avoid Middle-Men. [/FONT]
[FONT="]But then again, Flower Horn fishes are rather easy to breed, and any village idiot with less than a fifty dollar start-up capital can be a breeder. Arm him with internet access, and he can have an international flowerhorn export business! This can be bad news for you.
Usually, the professional breeding farms have invested a huge amount of money in their infrastructure and breeding stocks. As a result, it is very unwise for them to tarnish their reputation with any unethical practices, so they're much more likely to meet your needs. Check on their backgrounds, and ask for pictures of their farms before you place an order. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Importing Flower Horn fish is never easy if you don't know who you are dealing with. Do your research, and ask around for references before you invest time and money into your business. Remember, if you manage to hook up with a good Flower Horn breeder, your business will flourish very fast, and you will see your profits soar in no time. Otherwise, be prepared for a nightmare. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Rule No 4: Ask Lots of Questions and Buy Only From Breeders Who Know Their Stuff. [/FONT]
[FONT="]
Of course not all middle-men are bad and not all big farms are good. Be sure you ask lots of questions, and talking and getting advice from your potential supplier gives you a good feeling. If they know their business well, then their advice and support will be invaluable to you. After all, you will have all to gain if you build a good business relationship with a very good breeder. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Having mentioned all these, I hope that you have a better understanding and these article has served you well. [/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="][/FONT]
[FONT="]I hope this help.
[/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]The Flower Horn Fish is basically from the Cichlid family, of the genus [FONT="]Cichlasoma, which is commonly found in South America. This beautiful hybrid is thought to be the end product of cross breeding between the [FONT="]Cichlasoma Trimaculatus, Cichlasoma Festae[/FONT], Jingang Blood Parrot, and others. Nowadays, a lot of better quality Flower Horns are being produced due to the intensified eagerness of breeders to produce the best show quality fish for the market. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]Some reports claim that the Flower Horn Fish is a "mutated" breed of fish. Rest assured that this is just a claim. Flower Horn Fish have gone through a lot of selective cross breeding in order to have the best characteristics of the respective strains of the Cichlid family. For instance, most breeders are striving to produce Flower Horns with a bigger nuchal hump on the forehead, better colouration, bolder black markings on the body (which at times resemble Chinese characters), more elegant fins, and wider bodies. No chemicals, or biogenetic engineering have been incorporated to improve on the traits/characteristics of the Flower Horn. Thus, the claim that this is a mutated fish is unfounded. [/FONT]
[FONT="]This fish is very hardy, and can endure water conditions that are not suitable for most breeds of aquarium fish. This is also part of the reason why the Flower Horn is well received by many tropical fish hobbyists. But the ideal pH level in the water should be around pH 7 to 7.8, with water temperature ranging between 27 °C to 32°C. For temperate/colder climate regions, just use a conventional water heater. With regards to aquarium size, try to have at least 4 feet (length) by 2 feet (width). [/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]As the Flower Horn is from the South American Cichlid family, the fish are very territorial. Thus, they are very aggressive in nature. Keeping them with other fish is not advisable, especially smaller fish. Some parties have claimed that they can "play" with the Flower Horn. In actual fact, the Flower Horn is actually trying to get rid of the "intruder" (be it a stick or a person's hand). Therefore, it is advisable that we keep our hands to ourselves as the fish have quite a nasty bite depending on their size. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Flower Horns are not selective with food and their consumption is high. Worms, small shrimps and pelletted fish food will do fine. What type of food or whether their stomach is fully filled are not a major issue, but types of food which do not pollute the water should be taken into consideration. You can underfeed but not overfeed Flower Horns, thus it is advisable to feed them two to three times daily. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Flower Horns may grow up to approximately12 inches in length depending on the breed, and may live for eight to ten years. I have seen Flower Horns that were 16 inches long, bred by a skillful fish breeder. [/FONT]
[FONT="]You can visit www.FlowerFish.com, which have lots of other interesting photos and information on Flower Horn Fish. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Selecting A Beautiful Flower Horn Fish[FONT="] [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]The Flower Horn fish is considered by the Chinese as the most auspicious fish that is developed by aquarists to date (much to the frowns of many Western purists). Its every characteristic is somehow related to prosperity, health and wealth, to the owners of the fish, of course! The nuchal hump, the colour, the aggression, the so-called "pearls", etc is much sought after. For the bigger, the brighter or more active fish believes to tell directly on the owner's level of abundance. So, how do you select the best fish? [/FONT]
[FONT="]Forehead:[FONT="]
The forehead or "Nuchal Hump" of the Flower Horn fish is the main focus of attraction of the Flower Horn fish and is much sought after. After all, the main reason (among others) that this fish is so popular is because of its unique feature: the head! [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]A fully developed forehead, which is round and tender, is a symbol of luck, prosperity, longevity and happiness. It enhances the glory of its owner. A huge and beautiful forehead that harmonizes with its body qualifies it to be a fish of choice. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Some even believe that as the head grows bigger and bigger, so does the level of prosperity to the owner! A fully developed forehead decorated with evenly spread red spots is more preferred. Such a forehead is called "li-zhi" forehead resembling the auspiscious Chinese fruit : Lychee! top [/FONT]
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]Colour:[FONT="] [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]The colour on the fish should be naturally pleasing yet intense enough to generate excitement. The more varied and intense the colours, the more outstanding the fish will be. The base colour of the fish should not be pale and dull. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Nowadays, the Flower Horn fish possess lots of shimmering/luminiscent scales or so-called "pearls". There are generally 2 colours on the "pearls": blue and green. Some "pearls" are by patches, like an armour and some are bright dots like stars in the sky. These "pearls" add more spectrum of colors and shine to the fish and is a considered a "must-have" on the latest Flower Horn fishes. The most auspiscious gem for generations of Chinese must be pearls, hence, the more "pearls" on the body of the fish, the better! top[/FONT]
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[FONT="]Among the numerous strains of flower horn, those which are most active or responsive to people are most interesting. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The Flower Horn fish is an aggressive and territorial type of fish and will chase away any intruder to its territory. Because of this nature, early owners of the fish started "playing" with their fishes by training their pet to follow their hands. This is done by gently swaying the hands OUTSIDE the tank and letting the fish follow the fingers. If this is done correctly, the fish can be trained to do "loop-the-loop" or "topsy-turvy"! [/FONT]
[FONT="]A healthy fish will naturally chase away any intruders to its territory and the more active the fish is, the more interesting it is to "play with it", thus the more form or responsiveness. top[/FONT]
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[FONT="]Horizontal Marking or "Flower"[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT][FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="]One of the many interesting aspects of the Flower Horn fish is the black horizontal markings on its body. Many early hobbyists have hit jackpots or strike lottos/lottery by buying the numbers supposedly seen on these black markings. What actually stemmed from a lucky play of imagination (just like imagining an animal-like figure from cloud formations) resulted in a belief system that the Flower Horn fish is auspiscous and brings luck to its owners.Some markings even resembles lucky Chinese characters and this fetch a very high price for its owner! [/FONT]
[FONT="]This belief still prevails till today, so most hobbyists regards that the more the black marking on the fish, the better. A general idea is that if the marking extends from the base of the tail to the middle of the fish's body, it is A grade. Anything lesser than that, is B grade or C. If the marking fully extends to its gill cover, the fish is of AA or double A quality. Sometimes there are verticle black markings that extends right up to the dorsal fins and that is called double-row marking. Some people do not like this because in their opinion, the fish is dark or "dirty" in colour. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Anyway, it is almost near impossible to find the perfect fish which is double A grade and have beautiful colours and big head. These types are considered show quality or competition level fish and is very rarely found. Most of the times, if the colour and the head of the fish is good, a good marking is oftentimes not necessarily a must-have. top[/FONT]
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[FONT="]Managing Your Flowerhorn Aquarium[/FONT]
[FONT="]If you're thinking about purchasing a beautiful Flowerhorn fish, you're not alone. The beautiful Flowerhorn fish is one of the more popular additions to your aquarium. However, if you have chosen a Flowerhorn, proper tank management is essential. It is, indeed, more important to practice a good tank management than it is to purchase the suitable type of fish for your tank.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Proper fish tank management and beautiful Flowerhorn fish complement each other perfectly. It is, therefore, crucial for all hobbyists to have proper knowledge of good fish tank management. While it is not as simple as dumping clean water in every few weeks, it isn't as terribly complicated as you may imagine. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The Tank[FONT="]
As the Flowerhorn's ancestry originated from the Central and South American cichlids, it is essential to set up your tank to a closely simulated natural habitat for the fish, which at the same time, is incredibly pleasing to the eye. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Various sizes and designs of fish tanks are available at your local fish store. Choose one that will complement your house, and always assume that your Flowerhorns will grow to be about 500 mm in length. It is advisable to get at least a 3 feet tank to start comfortably. Acrylic aquariums are recommended as these tanks are leak proof, lightweight and the wall materials provide exceptional clarity. The SeaClear 26 gallon flat back hexagonal tank is one good example of an acrylic tank that is great for keeping Flowerhorns.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Tank Accessories[FONT="]
Once you've gotten the tank, you may want to think about backgrounds. Various attractive background designs for aquariums are easily available. Choose one that will fit the natural environment of the fish. Added pebbles, stones and gravels is a good idea as well. They can be used as substrate for biological filtration as well as a tool to help smooth and polish the teeth of Flowerhorns as they dig, shove and carry these pebbles. Keep in mind that in captivity, the teeth of the Flowerhorn tends to be quite sharp, and if you can help to take the edges off a bit with pebbles or gravel, less damage will be caused during mating or fighting sessions. Once you've added that gravel, expect to see it migrate around the tank a bit. Flowerhorns tend to build their 'nest' by moving the pebbles and stones from one place to another. This behavior normally indicates that the fish has matured, and it is ready for mating purposes.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Even though you may think that sunken pirate ship looks neat, other unnatural tank ornaments are discouraged. These do not serve any purpose at all in the tank, and they may even be hazardous because they can cause accidental cuts and injuries on your Flowerhorns. These fish possess fierce territorial behaviors, and fights among fishes are common. Keeping objects like these in the tank only causes problems during fights.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Lighting[FONT="]
Suitable aquarium lighting will enhance the coloration and the overall physical development of your Flowerhorn. It is recommended that you place your tank where is it able to get at least an hour of indirect sunlight a day. While you may worry that algae will infest your tank because of the sunlight, with proper water quality management, your tank should not go green with algae with that minute amount of sunlight. If sunlight isn't possible in your living space, getting a full spectrum light is advisable. Be sure to leave it on for four to eight hours a day to maintain the color development of your Flowerhorn.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Water quality[FONT="]
Flowerhorns are 'hardy', which means these fish are highly adaptable to different water conditions, including bad water ones. However, just because they're 'hardy' fish doesn't mean that you should keep poor water conditions in your tank. Adequate feedings and frequent water changes promote better growth, and, as a result, can even change the whole body morphology of the fish. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Water pH level and Mineral Content[FONT="]
Water pH levels indicate the acidity and alkalinity of the water. Dissolved minerals in the water are often termed the "hardness" of the water. These two water parameters are interrelated. The water is considered 'hard' when there is a high content of dissolved minerals in it (like calcium), and normally the pH of 'hard' water is above 7, which is more alkaline. When there's a lack of dissolved minerals in the water, it is considered 'soft,' and thus the pH will be lower than neutral making it acidic.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Local breeders have indicated that higher pH levels (7.5 to 7.8) will favor the growth of the nuchal hump, and lower pH levels (6.1 to 6.5) will favor color development in Flowerhorn fish. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Proper pH powder is widely used to maintain water quality. As a bonus, with its aloe vera and electrolytes contents, it also works to eliminate chlorine and heavy metals from the water while reducing fish stress. Depending on which traits you desire in your Flowerhorn, it is possible to adjust your water pH level accordingly. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Temperature[FONT="]
Flowerhorns are tropical fish. They can survive in water with various temperature ranges, but they grow well in water temperature of 28°C. During transportation, the water temperature is usually maintained at about 22°C, and the temperature is raised to about 30°C when the fish is sick. This, though, doesn't mean that all illnesses are curable this way. Check out the "Common Illnesses" section for more information. A simple thermometer may be purchased to monitor water temperature changes in your tank.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Dechlorination[FONT="]
Tap water is commonly used by hobbyist, but most tap water contains high levels of chlorine, which poses a danger to your Flowerhorn. High chlorine toxicity may lead to fatalities. Dechlorination of tap water is crucial prior to usage. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Conditioner instantly removes and detoxifies heavy metals from tap water. Add one teaspoon to your water to treat up to ten gallons.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Filtration systems[FONT="]
In an artificial aquatic environment, a good filtration system is extremely important. Flowerhorns feed on huge amounts of food, and as a by product, they secrete large amounts of ammonia. A good filtration system eliminates solid wastes from the fish, leftover food, ammonia and even dusts from the atmosphere. There are various types of filters available in the market. The efficiency of these filters depends on usage, stocking density and other factors. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Mechanical filters work mainly to sieve out wastes, but they do not break it down. It makes the water clear, but this doesn't mean it is 'clean,' as the ammonia produced by fish is still in the tank. The misconception of 'clear water' being 'clean water' often contributes to a lot of fish deaths. A mechanical filter normally uses filter wools and filter sponges as sieve materials. Mechanical filters work best coupled with biological filters. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Biological filters are more efficient as they provide bio-media surfaces for beneficial bacteria to grow on. Bacteria colonize these surfaces and 'work' on the ammonia waste left by fish to break it down into fish friendly water components. You can read more about this in the "Ammonia and Nitrogen Cycle" article.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Flowerhorn fish are quite beautiful, and they'll make a lovely addition to your home aquarium display, but ensuring successful aquarium management is essential to keep your fish healthy and happy.[/FONT]
[FONT="]How to Sex Your Flower Horn Fish. [/FONT]
[FONT="]For most hobbyists, the male Flowerhorn is preferable to the female because of the different traits and behaviors they exhibit. For example, the male has big nuchal humps. In Chinese Fengshui, these are believed to bring good luck. Moreover, the males are more attractive. They have more vibrant colors, and their bodies are much broader. Females tend to be much smaller, and their features are far less attractive. However, if you're interested in breeding your fish, you must have both sexes in your tank.[/FONT]
[FONT="]In order to get the Flowerhorn sex you really want, hobbyists are advised to purchase a fish of 4-6 months of age. This way, the sex of the fish is able to be determined. There are, though, various sexing methods at any age. The table below summarizes the these methods according to different life stages of Flowerhorns.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Sexing of Flowerhorn fish at different stages[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Age and length[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Characteristic[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]Sexing Method[FONT="][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]2 months
(1mm - 30mm)[/FONT]
[FONT="]. [FONT="]Juvenile stage.
. Colors and body patterns are not noticeable.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] No known method. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Observations shows larger sized fish within the same batch tend to be males. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]2 - 5 months
( 30 mm - 150 mm)[/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Colors and body patterns are becoming more distinctive.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Distinctive black marking on the dorsal fin indicates that it is a female. However, this is not foolproof. The same pattern does exist on some male Flowerhorns.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Observations on the shape of the genital papillae. V-shaped papilla indicates a male fish, while a U-shaped papilla indicates a female fish. Gently squeezing the abdominal region may reveal the papillae.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]. [FONT="]Male Flowerhorns will have broader body with higher dorsal, anal and caudal fins. It is also observed that male Flowerhorns will have thicker jawline and more distinctive body color.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="]5 months and above
(150 mm - 600 mm)[/FONT]
[FONT="].[FONT="] Flowerhorns begin to mature. Distinctive and rather prominent head humps are visible on the male fish.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="]How To Breed The Flowerhorn fish. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The breeding of Flowerhorns is a rather easy task. There are, though, a few preparations that need to be made prior to breeding. One of the most important things you can do is prepare ar new bare bottom tank to store the tiny fries once they are ready to leave the parents' nest. Do not install any filter mechanisms as the small fries will get sucked into the filtration system. An air stone is particularly sufficient for aeration purposes. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Selection of the breeding pairs is crucial prior to breeding. Desired phenotypic outcomes depend solely on the parents. Most of the time, it is almost possible to predict the external characteristics of the offspring produced by a pair of Flowerhorns. Thus, breeding Flowerhorn has an exciting aspect, as you would know the outcome of the selective breeding. Flowerhorns breed year round. No external stimuli are needed for breeding purposes, but you must place the breeding pair in a clean, big tank. An aquarium heater regulated to 28?C can be placed in the aquarium, but it is not compulsory. The use of a mechanical filtration system is sufficient to remove any feces and debris in order to keep the water quality in check as breeding pairs do not consume much food during this period. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The breeding pair need to be well fed at a fixed regime until they are ready to spawn. A balanced diet is crucial to produce fish well laden with eggs and milt. Broodstock can be fed with various types of food including live and pellet feeds. [/FONT]
[FONT="]If you intend to breed your Flowerhorn, you will need a few pairs of fish. Some pairs might not be suitable for each other. Normally, a mating pair is put in the same aquarium with a partition in the middle to separate the two. The female will usually develop black stripes all over its body when it is time to mate, and appetite loss is quite common. Observations also show that the female's genital papilla will start to swell. It is advisable to cover the sides of your tank with newspapers or any other materials. This provides adequate privacy for the mating pair as they are easily frightened or disturbed during the mating period. When they are ready, females will secrete pheromones, and this signals the males to start spawning. Initially, this pair will show aggression toward each other through the partition. When the pair has stopped showing this behavior, the partition can be removed. Once you remove the partition, if they still seem to be 'fighting', observe further. If one fish is standing its ground instead of running to another corner, it means that they are actually courting each other instead of attacking. If the pair continues fighting until one of them is visibly injured, it means that this pair is not ready or not compatible for the moment. Separate them and try again after a few days. [/FONT]
[FONT="]If they are indeed a mating pair, the male fish will start to search for a breeding spot. In a tank with pebbles and gravels, the male fish will start clearing a chosen spot by removing all the pebbles. However, in a bare tank, none of this activity will take place. If you are using a bare tank, you should place a floor tile in the tank, because Flowerhorns will prefer a rough surface for spawning. Female Flowerhorns normally lay eggs close to the air stone, or where there's a good flow of water, as this can help aerate the eggs. Moreover, because the water circulates in this area, a fungal attack on the eggs is prevented. Female fish will deposit rows of eggs, then the male will follow behind, fertilizing the eggs with its milt. This will continue until the female has deposited all of its eggs. No disturbances are allowed during the spawning moment as this will result in the parent eating the eggs as a natural protective measure. [/FONT]
[FONT="]A female Flowerhorn is able to produce approximately 500-2000 eggs at a time. The parents will usually take turns fanning the eggs with their fins to rid of unwanted debris or to prevent any fungal attack. It is advisable to add methylene blue (Hyperlink) or any anti-fungal treatment at a1mg/l gallon ratio to prevent a possible fungus attack. [/FONT]
[FONT="]The eggs will take a few days to hatch. When this happens, remove the parents. Once the parents are removed, be sure to practice proper fry management. [/FONT]
[FONT="]How to Import (Wholesale) [/FONT]
[FONT="]All our flowerhorn fishes are shipped by international airline and can be flown to virtually any international airports in the world. All fishes are individually packed in double layered plastic bags with an extra paper or plastic lined between. We approximate about 48 hours of pure oxygen for each fish. Once properly tied with rubberbands, these plastic bags housing the fish will be put into our standard Styrofoam boxes in accordance with International Air Transport Association (I.A.T.A) regulations. [/FONT]
[FONT="]These sealed boxes are escorted by our freight agent's team to the Penang International Airport, just to ensure that the shipment is safely and punctually uplifted. Prior to that, all the proper documentations will be done and the fishes will be inspected by a Malaysian Fisheries Department officer for clearance. All the fishes are guaranteed to arrive alive or full credit of the portioned fish (DOA) is fully refunded (sorry, freight charges cannot be refunded). Capacity of the styrofoam box may differ with size of the fishes, destination or customer's request. [/FONT]
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You do not have to worry about oxygen and fluid weight calculations. Below are the procedures when an order is placed by our customer: [/FONT]
[FONT="]1. An order of the flower horn fish has been placed by you. [/FONT]
- [FONT="]A proforma invoice will be sent to you (order summary with total amount due). [/FONT]
- [FONT="]If there is any change in the order, please notify us. [/FONT]
- [FONT="]Upon confirming everything is right, please make payment * (payment modes). [/FONT]
[FONT="]3. Health Certificate will be issued. [/FONT]
[FONT="]4. The Flower Horn Fish will be kept and not fed for 48 hours prior to being packed for the flight. [/FONT]
[FONT="]5. The airline company will issue an air waybill. This acts as a receipt that the shipment of flower horn fish has boarded the airline. [/FONT]
[FONT="]6. We will then immediately fax you the air waybill to confirm that the fish has boarded that particular flight. [/FONT]
[FONT="]7. Upon arrival to the destination city, you can obtain the original air waybill from the air cargo office of that particular airline. [/FONT]
[FONT="]8. Proceed to the customs / clearance to claim your shipment. In most countries, the fish will be inspected by a Fish and Wildlife, Fish and Game, Animal Health Arm, Animal Quarantine, or other relevant authority. For US customers, please contact your nearest US Fish and Wildlife Service Office. [/FONT]
[FONT="]9. Take the fish home. [/FONT]
[FONT="]If you require further information, feel free to contact us at enquiry@flowerfish.com . [/FONT]
[FONT="]"How to Make Money Selling or Distributing Flower Horn Fishes by Importing the Worlds' Most Beautiful Flower Horns from Asia...."
So you are thinking of importing the Flowerhorn fish and turning your hobby into a business for extra cash? [/FONT]
So you are thinking of importing the Flowerhorn fish and turning your hobby into a business for extra cash? [/FONT]
[FONT="]Maybe you already have a pet-store and is presently importing from a foreign exporter, but you are not very satisfied with them?
Before You Import, Please Be Warned! [/FONT]
Before You Import, Please Be Warned! [/FONT]
[FONT="]How many times have you received pictures of fish that you want to buy, only to find out that "what-you-see-is-NOT-what-you-get" when the actual shipment arrives? [/FONT]
[FONT="]Have you heard of nightmare stories of money sent to some obscure parts of the world and the fish not arriving at all? [/FONT]
[FONT="]Have you heard of importers getting diseased fish from foreign breeders and contaminating their existing fish room or pet store? [/FONT]
[FONT="]These are some of the many common problems faced by Flower Horn fish importers in their haste to make some money. They are stuck with ugly Flower Horn fishes that simply cannot sell, thus having their start-up capital gone, practically swimming in the tanks. Alternately, they are simply cheated of the money they sent and never received the quality Flower Horns as promised. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Rule No. 1: Buy Only Flower Horns That Are Sure To Sell and Not Half-Baked Promises by Exporters Half-Way Around the Globe! [/FONT]
[FONT="]The most prevalent problem is that you are primarily dealing with a foreign fish exporter (fish agent) who are not Flower Horn breeders themselves. They go around to Flower Horn fish farms, taking pictures of the beautiful flower horns, and they claim that the fishes (or even the breeding farms ) are theirs.
Usually once the order is confirmed with the importer, these agents will go back to the breeder to buy the fishes only to find out that sometimes the fish has already been sold by the breeder. Because of this, sometimes "stand-in" or "substitute" fishes are sent by the agent to the importer instead!
All these common problems can be avoided if you deal directly with the breeder themselves and not through third party fish agents or middle-men. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Rule No. 2: Buy Directly from Reputable Flower Horn Breeders and Avoid Middle-Men. [/FONT]
[FONT="]But then again, Flower Horn fishes are rather easy to breed, and any village idiot with less than a fifty dollar start-up capital can be a breeder. Arm him with internet access, and he can have an international flowerhorn export business! This can be bad news for you.
Usually, the professional breeding farms have invested a huge amount of money in their infrastructure and breeding stocks. As a result, it is very unwise for them to tarnish their reputation with any unethical practices, so they're much more likely to meet your needs. Check on their backgrounds, and ask for pictures of their farms before you place an order. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Rule No 3: Buy from Breeders with Reasonable Infrastructure. Make Sure That the Pictures That You See Are of Their OWN Farms and NOT of Their Friends'! [/FONT]
[FONT="]Rule No 4: Ask Lots of Questions and Buy Only From Breeders Who Know Their Stuff. [/FONT]
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Of course not all middle-men are bad and not all big farms are good. Be sure you ask lots of questions, and talking and getting advice from your potential supplier gives you a good feeling. If they know their business well, then their advice and support will be invaluable to you. After all, you will have all to gain if you build a good business relationship with a very good breeder. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Having mentioned all these, I hope that you have a better understanding and these article has served you well. [/FONT]
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[FONT="]I hope this help.
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