Flowerhorn (Louhan Super Red Dragon Short Body)

Louhan Super Red Dragon Short Body – a striking Flowerhorn with vivid reds, a big kok, and compact form. Ideal for experienced keepers. A true showpiece!

• Water Conditions: The Louhan Super Red Dragon Short Body thrives in stable, warm water with parameters mimicking its tropical origins. Maintain a temperature between 26–30°C (78–86°F) using a reliable heater with a guard, as sudden fluctuations can stress this fish and exacerbate health issues common to short-bodied strains. pH should be kept between 6.5 and 7.8, ideally slightly acidic to neutral, while general hardness (dGH) of 5–15 is suitable. A minimum tank size of 200 litres (55 gallons) is required for a single adult, though 300 litres or more is highly recommended to provide ample territory and dilution for waste. These fish are messy eaters and produce significant bioload, so use a high-capacity canister filter or sump with a turnover of at least 6–8 times the tank volume per hour. Perform 25–30% weekly water changes with dechlorinated water, and vacuum the substrate to remove debris. Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate closely; nitrates should stay below 20 ppm. Avoid strong currents, as short-bodied flowerhorns are not the strongest swimmers—provide calm areas with gentle flow.
• Suitable Tank Mates: The Super Red Dragon Short Body is highly aggressive and territorial, especially once mature. In most cases, it is best kept as a solitary "wet pet" in a species-only aquarium. If you must attempt tank mates, choose large, robust, and fast-swimming fish that can hold their own and will not be easily bullied. Suitable candidates include large plecos (e.g., sailfin or common pleco) provided they have hiding spots, or robust catfish like Synodontis species. Some keepers have success with large tinfoil barbs or silver dollars in very spacious tanks, but these are risky and may become targets. Absolutely avoid small fish, slow-moving species, other cichlids (especially other flowerhorns or similar-looking fish), and invertebrates like snails or shrimp. Short-bodied flowerhorns may be less mobile than standard ones, so avoid nippy tank mates that could harass them. If you attempt a community, use a tank of at least 400 litres, provide numerous caves and visual barriers, and have a divider ready in case aggression escalates. Even then, monitor constantly, as individual personalities vary widely. Remember, any tank mate is at risk, and the safest option is to keep this stunning fish on its own.
• Feeding Habits: Flowerhorns are omnivorous with a strong carnivorous倾向, requiring a high-protein diet to support their growth, colouration, and the development of their prominent kok (nuchal hump). Offer a staple of high-quality cichlid pellets, preferably sinking or slow-sinking, formulated for large carnivorous cichlids. Look for pellets rich in spirulina and astaxanthin to enhance the red coloration of the Super Red Dragon. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, prawns, and earthworms. Variety is key to balanced nutrition. Avoid feeding feeder fish, which can introduce disease and parasites, and avoid fatty meats like beef heart, which can lead to liver problems and obesity—especially dangerous for short-bodied fish. Juveniles should be fed 2–3 small meals daily, while adults can be fed 1–2 times per day. Always remove uneaten food to maintain water quality. Due to their compressed body shape, short-bodied flowerhorns are prone to constipation and swim bladder issues. To mitigate this, soak pellets before feeding, include fibre-rich foods like shelled peas or spirulina, and never overfeed. A fasting day once a week can also aid digestion.
• Care Requirements: Caring for a Super Red Dragon Short Body requires dedication and attention to detail. Set up the tank with a fine sand substrate or a bare bottom for easy cleaning; avoid sharp gravel or decorations that could injure the fish during aggressive displays or sudden movements. Provide hiding places using smooth rocks or driftwood, but ensure they are stable and cannot topple. Use a tight-fitting lid, as flowerhorns are known to jump. Maintain excellent water quality with regular testing and weekly water changes. Because short-bodied flowerhorns are prone to genetic health issues, including swim bladder disorders, spinal deformities, and a higher susceptibility to hole-in-the-head disease and lateral line erosion, keep stress to a minimum. Avoid overcrowding, sudden temperature changes, and poor diet. Quarantine any new fish or plants before adding them to the main tank. Observe your fish daily for signs of illness: clamped fins, loss of appetite, white spots, or abnormal swimming. Treat promptly with appropriate medications in a hospital tank. Handle your flowerhorn as little as possible; use a soft net if necessary. With proper care, they can live 8–12 years. Note that short-bodied variants may reach 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) in length, though their body is noticeably compact. They are intelligent and interactive, often recognizing their keeper, which makes them rewarding for experienced aquarists.