Body Shape
Look for a balanced, oval body shape. Spine perfectly straight. No humps, dips, or curvatures.
Width should be proportional — not too thin (weak fish) or bulging (organ issues).
Kok Potential
In juveniles (2-4 inches), look for forehead doming starting to form. A fish with no kok bump at this size will rarely develop a large kok.
Some kok genetics show late — buy from breeders with parent photos to estimate adult appearance.
- ✦Photograph parents if possible.
- ✦Avoid fish with crooked kok or kok over the eyes.
Color
Look for clean, defined color zones. Avoid muddy or random color spots.
Even patterning across both sides of the body.
Color saturation should be deep, even on small fish (4 inches).
Behavior
Active fish that approaches the front of the tank, displays at hand or other fish.
Avoid: sluggish, hiding, clamped fins, refusal to eat. These are sick or stressed fish.
Sources to Trust
Local flowerhorn enthusiasts and breeders are best — quality is verifiable.
Specialized cichlid stores often carry mid-quality fish.
General pet stores rarely have quality flowerhorns. Most are culls or unintentional spawns.
Price Expectations
Pet store fry: $20-50.
Mid-quality from breeder: $80-200.
Show quality from top breeder: $300-1000+.
Champion or imported fish: $1000+.