Flowerhorn HobbyThe luohan, explained

Who we are

About Flowerhorn Hobby

A free, non-commercial guide to the flowerhorn: where it came from, how it is bred, what it means and how to keep one well.

Who publishes this site

Flowerhorn Hobby is published by Pet Zone Tropical Fish, a freshwater aquarium specialist founded by Roger Ma in San Diego in 2007. We run two stores: our original Mid-City location on University Avenue, which specializes in monster fish, and our Convoy District store in Kearny Mesa, home to our aquascaping gallery.

Flowerhorns have been part of Pet Zone from the start. Over the years we have raised them, shipped them, answered thousands of questions about them and watched customers go from buying a fish for luck to talking about it like a member of the family. This site is our attempt to put that knowledge, and the history behind the fish, in one place.

How we write

  • History is hedged where it should be. Much of the flowerhorn’s story was passed down by breeders rather than recorded. Where accounts disagree, we say so.
  • Culture is described with respect. Feng shui beliefs are presented as traditions many people hold, not as claims we are testing.
  • Care advice comes from experience. Our care ranges reflect what works for the fish we keep, and we update them as the hobby learns.
  • Sources are listed. Every guide ends with the references we used.

Spotted something we got wrong, or have a piece of flowerhorn history to share? We would love to hear it. Reach us through the Pet Zone contact page.

Where to find flowerhorns