he Zhen Zhu Flowerhorn Cichlid (often spelled Zhenzhu or Zhen Zhu, meaning “Pearl” in Chinese) is one of the most popular and foundational varieties of Flowerhorn cichlids, a hybrid ornamental fish prized for its vivid colors, pearling (iridescent spots), and distinctive nuchal hump (kok).

Here’s a detailed overview:

🐠 General Information

• Common Name: Zhen Zhu Flowerhorn

• Origin: Man-made hybrid (not found in the wild), originally bred in Malaysia and Thailand

• Lineage: Descended from various Cichlasoma species, including Trimac and Red Devil cichlids

• Name Meaning: “Zhen Zhu” translates to “Pearl,” referring to its heavy pearling pattern.

🌈 Physical Characteristics

• Body Shape: Oval and stocky with a pronounced hump (kok) on the head

• Coloration: Bright red, pink, orange, or blue base with intense metallic pearling across the body and fins

• Pearling: The signature trait — white or silver iridescent spots that shimmer in light

• Size: Typically 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) in adulthood

• Fins: Flowing dorsal and anal fins, often edged in bright blue or white

🧬 Personality & Behavior

• Temperament: Very aggressive and territorial (should be kept alone or in divided tanks)

• Intelligence: Recognizes owners, can be hand-fed, and may even follow finger movements

• Activity Level: Highly active and interactive — thrives on attention and stimulation

🏡 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for a single adult

• Water Temperature: 80–86°F (27–30°C)

• pH Level: 7.4–8.0 (slightly alkaline)

• Filtration: Strong — Flowerhorns are messy eaters

• Décor: Minimal rocks and caves (to reduce injury from aggression)

• Substrate: Fine gravel or bare-bottom for easy cleaning

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Staple Foods: High-quality cichlid pellets (color-enhancing preferred)

• Supplements:

  • Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, krill, mealworms, shrimp

  • Vegetables occasionally: spinach, peas, or spirulina-based foods

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 small meals daily (avoid overfeeding to prevent digestive issues)

💎 Care Tips

• Perform 25–30% water changes weekly

• Avoid tankmates unless heavily divided

• Maintain good lighting to enhance coloration

• Watch for signs of stress or head injury due to aggression

🌟 Unique Traits of Zhen Zhu

• Heavy pearling across the body and fins (more than most Flowerhorn types)

• Moderate to large head hump (kok)

• Balanced body proportions and strong genetics — often used to breed other strains like Kamfa and Thai Silk

Please note:
We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.