Yes, a Flowerhorn fish is considered a very good vastu fish and is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and positive energy to a home. Its vibrant colors and distinctive hump on its head are seen as symbols of wealth and success. In Feng Shui, which often overlaps with Vastu principles for aquariums, the Flowerhorn is highly regarded for its auspicious presence.
Why is Flowerhorn Considered Auspicious?
- Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity: The unique hump, also called the “Kok,” is associated with abundance and luck.
- Attractive Appearance: Its bright, colorful body is believed to attract positive energy.
- Active Behavior: The Flowerhorn’s energetic movements are said to circulate positive vibrations throughout the space.
Vastu Tips for Keeping Flowerhorn Fish
- Placement:
- Place the aquarium in the north, northeast, or east direction of your living space for maximum positive impact.
- Avoid keeping it in the bedroom or kitchen.
- Number of Fish:
- It’s best to keep a single Flowerhorn in the tank, as they are territorial and aggressive.
- Tank Size:
- Provide a spacious tank with a minimum capacity of 55 gallons for the Flowerhorn to thrive.
- Water Quality:
- Maintain clean water and a healthy environment, as a stressed or sick fish is believed to bring negative energy.
Some attributes of Flowerhorn fish
Here are some attributes of flowerhorn fish which can help you in identifying and keeping it as your vastu fish.
Appearance
- Colors: Bright red, orange, yellow, blue, and metallic hues are common.
- Kok (Hump): A distinctive bulge on its forehead, more prominent in males.
- Body Shape: Stocky with a curved, rounded profile.
Behavior
- Territorial: Highly aggressive and best kept alone in a tank.
- Intelligent: Recognizes its owner and may interact by following hand movements.
- Active: Constantly swimming and exploring its environment.
Diet
Flowerhorns are omnivorous, requiring a balanced diet of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
What Flowerhorns Eat:
- Pellets
- High-quality Flowerhorn-specific pellets are essential for maintaining color and kok development.
- Examples: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold, XO Humpy Head.
- Live Food
- Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and feeder fish for protein.
- Avoid overfeeding live food to prevent obesity or infections.
- Frozen/Freeze-Dried Food
- Alternatives to live food include frozen bloodworms, krill, or daphnia.
- Vegetables
- Small amounts of blanched spinach, peas, or lettuce for fiber.
- Supplements
- Vitamin-enriched foods or additives to boost immunity and enhance colors.
Feeding Tips:
- Feed 2–3 times daily in small quantities to avoid overfeeding.
- Remove uneaten food after 5 minutes to maintain water quality.
Lifespan
- Average Lifespan: 10–12 years with proper care.
- Good nutrition, water quality, and tank maintenance are key to a long life.
Tank Requirements
Tank Size
- Minimum: 55 gallons for a single Flowerhorn.
- Larger tanks are better for growth and activity.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 26–30°C (78–86°F).
- pH: 6.5–7.8 (slightly alkaline).
- Filtration: Powerful filtration to manage waste and maintain clean water.
- Water Changes: 20–30% weekly water changes are essential.
Tank Setup
- Decorations: Use rocks and driftwood, but keep spaces open for swimming.
- Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel.
- Lighting: Moderate; bright light enhances their colors.
Tank Mates
- Avoid tank mates unless the aquarium is very large.
- Suitable tank mates (with caution): Large, non-aggressive cichlids or plecos.
Breeding
Flowerhorn breeding can be challenging:
- Pairs: Male and female Flowerhorns are highly territorial, requiring a divided tank initially.
- Eggs: The female lays eggs on a flat surface, which the male fertilizes.
- Fry Care: Remove the parents after hatching to protect the fry.
Health and Common Diseases
Flowerhorns are hardy but prone to diseases if not cared for properly.
Common Issues:
- Hole-in-the-Head Disease: Caused by poor water quality or vitamin deficiency.
- Ich (White Spot Disease): Appears as white spots on the body.
- Swim Bladder Disease: Results from overfeeding or poor diet.
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain excellent water quality.
- Feed a balanced diet.
- Regularly check for signs of illness.
Unique Traits
- Popularity: Flowerhorns are considered lucky in many cultures and are often associated with prosperity.
- Interaction: They are one of the few fish that can develop a bond with their owner.
- Hybrid Origin: A mix of several cichlid species, Flowerhorns are not found in the wild.
Price Range of Flowerhorn Fish
- Small/Young Flowerhorns (2–4 inches)
- Basic Varieties: ₹500–₹2,000
- High-Quality Varieties: ₹2,000–₹5,000
- Medium-Sized Flowerhorns (4–6 inches)
- Basic Varieties: ₹3,000–₹8,000
- High-Quality Varieties: ₹8,000–₹20,000
- Large/Adult Flowerhorns (6+ inches)
- Basic Varieties: ₹10,000–₹25,000
- High-Quality Varieties: ₹25,000–₹50,000+
- Premium/Show-Grade Flowerhorns
- High-quality strains like Kamfa, Zhen Zhu, or Golden Base: ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 or more.
Factors Affecting Price
- Breed/Strain: Rare strains like Kamfa or Thai Silk are more expensive than common Zhen Zhu.
- Size and Age: Larger, mature Flowerhorns with a fully developed kok are pricier.
- Color and Patterns: Bright, vivid colors and unique patterns command higher prices.
- Hump Size (Kok): A well-developed, symmetrical hump is highly valued.
- Source:
- Locally bred fish are generally cheaper.
- Imported fish from Thailand, Malaysia, or Indonesia are more expensive.
Tips When Buying a Flowerhorn
- Look for active, healthy fish with vibrant colors and clear eyes.
- Avoid fish with signs of disease (e.g., lethargy, white spots, or torn fins).
- Research and verify the seller’s reputation before purchasing.
Precautions
- Aggressive Nature: Flowerhorns are territorial and should not be kept with other fish.
- Regular Care: Neglecting the fish or tank cleanliness can counteract its positive effects as per Vastu.
By following these guidelines, a Flowerhorn can enhance the Vastu of your home while being a striking addition to your aquarium.