Red Texas Flowerhorn

The Red Texas is one of the most visually stunning hybrid cichlids ever produced, resulting from crosses between Flowerhorn strains and the Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus). The outcome combines the nuchal hump (kok) characteristic of Flowerhorns with the brilliant electric blue spotting that adorns the Texas Cichlid's body, all expressed on a vivid red-orange base colouration.

Achieving a high-grade Red Texas with both a large kok and intense electric blue spots on a bright red body is challenging, and true quality specimens are among the most expensive hybrid cichlids available. The blue spots, which derive from the Texas Cichlid parentage, are expressed across the flanks and head, creating a mesmerising contrast against the red ground colour.

Due to the Texas Cichlid contribution, Red Texas hybrids tend to be particularly robust and tolerate a broader temperature range than pure Flowerhorn strains. They retain the interactive, owner-recognising personality of Flowerhorns.

Water: 25–30°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate to hard water (GH 8–20) suits the Texas Cichlid component well. Tank: Minimum 400L; single specimen; powerful filtration; some rockwork acceptable but avoid fin-snagging décor. Feeding: High-protein carnivore diet with colour-enhancing supplements; frozen krill, earthworms, and quality cichlid pellets. Breeding: Challenging to breed true Red Texas; crossing requires access to quality parent stock of both lineages. Compatibility: Solitary; extremely aggressive; can potentially be kept in a large tank with only very robust, similarly sized cichlids under close supervision.