What makes it a Flowerhorn and not Just a Misc. Hybrid?

[rallysman]

I agree to a certain point, and yet I disagree with this statement. When it comes to identifying a natural species, there is a documented scientific description for that species. Sure, for you and I to look at a picture and make an educated guess, it's just that, a guess. But there is a way to positively identify all natural species of fish through scientific description. The same can not be said of flowerhorns.

I'm one to think that all species vary. I also think that a lot of the "pure" fish that we have were hybrids or at least a cross at one point. I can't buy into the thought that all were just created and have been the same forever. To me, scientific evidence doesn't mean that the rule is set in stone. Who named the fish? Humans. Who will look for any subtle difference and call a fish a different species just to satisfy their ego?..........

 

[Bderick67]

THERE MAYBE MANY STRAINS OF FLOWERHORN BUT THEY ALL COME FROM 4 major groups ZZ,GM,KAMFA,& JK or GOLDENBASED(some goldenbased have ZZ origins as well). The original makers from Malaysia used many fish over many generations to reach the first strains (this will always be trade secrets and or mystery as to how and in what order) but it can not be done over night. Now a days you have so many different strain off shots, but they are all derived by using a certain strain and crossing with the same or another, with the occational back breeding to pure strains to strangthen the breed. There are other hybrid that fit right along with Flowerhorn like Red Texas, Foutune fish RBK ect etc, but none are classified as flowerhorn...

Wow, good topic, good question, I would like to know the answer as well, esp. considering most hybrids are frowned upon, but even though the fh is one too (just with more crosses) instead they are sought after, and depending on the grade, worth quite a bit, I mean that kind of seems like double standards, esp. considering no one seems to know the original fish that started this. I can see why though at the same time, since they are beautiful fish.
Also bderrick while were on it if you don't mind, could someone explain the difference between ZZ , kamfa, etc.

No I don't mind at all, matter of fact this would be a good place to start. Would be good to know the four types of FH, before knowing the distinguishing tarits of each type.

Can anyone post pics

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

I'm one to think that all species vary. I also think that a lot of the "pure" fish that we have were hybrids or at least a cross at one point. I can't buy into the thought that all were just created and have been the same forever. To me, scientific evidence doesn't mean that the rule is set in stone. Who named the fish? Humans. Who will look for any subtle difference and call a fish a different species just to satisfy their ego?..........

You make an excellent point sir! Lifeforms on this planet are constantly evolving and hybrids certainly exist in nature as well as controlled habitats.

 

[BastardFish]

if you guys would like to know the defining traits between the different strains and 4 major type than do some research
we have already out lined this sort of thing for this type of questioning a good place to look flowerhornrusforum.com happy reading you should learn something useful
the best way to can learn is through research

 

[Bderick67]

if you guys would like to know the defining traits between the different strains and 4 major type than do some research
we have already out lined this sort of thing for this type of questioning a good place to look flowerhornrusforum.com happy reading you should learn something useful
the best way to can learn is through research

Ah...so the kids in a classroom with books but no teacher method If you can't or won't be part of this thread, that is fine. One should research anyhow because as we have already seen, misinformation can be posted.

 

[Onion01]

quick question. FH are tough bastards. Often times the most aggressive fish in a tank. Do you think if released into tropical waters they would flourish? Or do their extravagant colors doom them to being wiped out?

 

[Tongue33]

if you guys would like to know the defining traits between the different strains and 4 major type than do some research
we have already out lined this sort of thing for this type of questioning a good place to look flowerhornrusforum.com happy reading you should learn something useful
the best way to can learn is through research

I've been reading on that site.. Well I couldn't find any clear outlining Everyone is working with already completed variations to make new ones..

That much is outlined... I did how ever glean some info on some equations that led up to some Breeds... And that not only the species mattered in coming up with one such variation... BUT also the Sex that the species was...

Sound very complicated writing it out.. Though It looks very simple when looking right at it.. The hard part is patience it seems... And a good eye is seemingly needed to outcross certain traits...

It does seem that most are just adding to the pie over there though... Which is probably the best and only way at this point in the FH history to keep it original. As is with the WHOLE hobby..

I do like however some of the crosses and things people are doing.. The fish they are producing from already established flowerhorns are AWESOME!

If and when I own a FH I want it to be one of the HUGE ones!! 15-18" I seen one somewhere between 14"-16" In Torrance at and lfs.. And It was stunning...

 

[Bderick67]

if you guys would like to know the defining traits between the different strains and 4 major type than do some research
we have already out lined this sort of thing for this type of questioning a good place to look flowerhornrusforum.com happy reading you should learn something useful
the best way to can learn is through research

Sorry, forgot to thank you for the link

 

[danz]

O.K ever since Petsmart sold the "trimacs" last fall there have been many threads debating whether cetrain fish are "trimacs" or "low grade flowerhorns".

My question is what must the fish have in order to qualify as a flowerhorn? Obviously the fish have some trimac in them, what is they are only crossed with a festae, wouldn't this just make them a trimacxfestae hybrid?

My intent isn't to find what fish make up flowerhorns, but to be able to identify flowerhorns from random hybrids.

Thanks for your input.

Good Question.

As been stated yes the Trimac was the bas fish used as well the many many many generations of line breeding. As also stated there are some basic categories of a flowerhorn but there are some basic traits of a flowerhorn and I think thats what your looking for and separates it from mist hybrids out there.

1) Intense red coloring over front 1/2 of the fish followed by a yellowish/cream colored base. Green in lowgrades

2) Pearling over the entire fish, sand or worms pearls, blue, gold or white

3) KOK, Hump etc what every you call it.

4) overall structure of the fish should be shorter then normal and thick with a short nose/face

5) Little to no bars

6) Oh and the flower line from head to tail of the fish, this is after all how it got its name.


Now of course this is a base and does not apply 100% to all strains but if a fish had all the above it could be a contender as a flowerhorn. Of course nothing is 100%, there is no standard every body follows, each region of the hobby has its own specifics.

 

[pitbullfish]

Good Question.

As been stated yes the Trimac was the bas fish used as well the many many many generations of line breeding. As also stated there are some basic categories of a flowerhorn but there are some basic traits of a flowerhorn and I think thats what your looking for and separates it from mist hybrids out there.

1) Intense red coloring over front 1/2 of the fish followed by a yellowish/cream colored base. Green in lowgrades

2) Pearling over the entire fish, sand or worms pearls, blue, gold or white

3) KOK, Hump etc what every you call it.

4) overall structure of the fish should be shorter then normal and thick with a short nose/face

5) Little to no bars

6) Oh and the flower line from head to tail of the fish, this is after all how it got its name.


Now of course this is a base and does not apply 100% to all strains but if a fish had all the above it could be a contender as a flowerhorn. Of course nothing is 100%, there is no standard every body follows, each region of the hobby has its own specifics.

well said