Description

Flowerhorn Cichlid – Vietnamese Blue

Overview:
The Vietnamese Blue Flowerhorn is a selectively bred strain from Vietnam, developed to showcase metallic blue coloration, strong pearling, and a bold kok (head hump). Unlike red-dominant Flowerhorns, this variety emphasizes shimmering aqua, turquoise, and sapphire tones, often contrasted with lighter body markings and clean pearling. It’s a rare and premium strain, highly prized by enthusiasts for its unusual coloration and balance between beauty and aggression.

Origin:
Originated in Vietnam, from crossbreeding between Zhen Zhu Pearl and Kamfa lines, with selective enhancement of blue and turquoise traits.

Feeding:

  • Staple: High-quality Flowerhorn pellets for kok growth and coloration.

  • Supplements: Spirulina-based foods to enhance blue/green tones, shrimp, krill, and bloodworms for added nutrition.

  • Routine: Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions.

Tank Mates:

  • Best kept alone.

  • Can be kept with other Flowerhorns or large aggressive cichlids only in very large, divided tanks.

Aggression:
Highly territorial and aggressive, consistent with most Flowerhorn strains.

Experience Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. Requires experience with large, aggressive cichlids.

Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C)

  • pH: 7.4–8.0

  • Hardness: 8–20 dGH

  • Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (single specimen)

Unique Features:

  • Coloration: Striking metallic blue to turquoise base tones instead of the dominant reds of other Flowerhorns.

  • Kok development: Prominent, rounded nuchal hump.

  • Pearling: Strong, often shimmering silver-white, creating a glowing effect over the blue body.

  • Body shape: Stocky, compact, with powerful fins.

  • Rarity: Much less common than red-dominant Vietnamese strains, making it a collector’s fish.

The Vietnamese Blue Flowerhorn is a rare, premium strain, perfect for enthusiasts looking for a Flowerhorn with unique coloration that sets it apart from traditional red and pearl-heavy varieties.