Strains of Flowerhorn

Flowerhorn Breeds
A more general classification. Could contain several subsets of strains from different countries and breeders. The Four main breeds of flowerhorn are: Zhen Zhu, GM, Kamfa, JK (goldenbase)

Golden Monkey
The real Golden Monkey or KAMALAU is bred by Mr. Lam Seah and Lam Soon in Bercham, Ipoh, Malaysia. The last Generation is GEN 3 and all of them were sold to A-1 Aquarium during the year 2001. This type of flowerhorn is a LOUHAN based fish and not a mixed type Zenzhu or Kamfa

Kamfa
This breed originated from Louhan. It's main characteristics are white or yellow eye (red eyes possible but not common), fan tail, water head, sunken eyes, smaller lips than Zhen Zhu. This breed carries more of the syn characteristics from the 4 pure cichlids. Generally has a larger and more square body shape than that of a Zhen Zhu. Head flowers can be found on the Kamfa, but not as prevalently as Zhen Zhu.

Zhen Zhu
comes slightly after Kamfa, made from Louhan, rounded tail, large mouth, red protruding eyes, head flower, all three kok types apply hard/water/semi, most closely carries the genes of the trimac of the 4 cichlids used to create flowerhorns, zhen zhou means 'Pearl Flowerhorn' breed's strongest characteristic is pearling. Breeders often cross with Zhen Zhu because they breed easily and can create better pearling for the next generation. Weak tail can also carry over

Golden Base (Faders)
(Faders)- called that because during juvenile period of life they will loose their color and go completely black. As the fading process occurs the black "fades" away leaving a more vibrant and beautiful color underneath. Usually yellow or red. Overseas they are referred to as "Golden Base". A 'golden trimac' is a raw cross where the fish typically ends up looking like a trimac but red and yellow in color.

King Kamfa
From the kamfa family this fish typically has white or yellow eyes, red eye is possible but rare. Main feature of the breed is intense black double flower row and very thick wide white pearling. Orginating in Thailand this breed has seen a recent re-birth in vietnam. Body is typical of that of a Kamfa, fan tail, longer body than some other kamfas. Most closely follows the kamfa description above.

Kamfamalau
mix of a Golden Monkey and Kamfa Female with Malau features. Body and face typify that of a typical Golden Monkey (see above) Finnage and sunken eye reflect the Kamfa genes. Main feature of a Kamfamalau is the pearling. Finnage typically takes on a 'frosted' pearl look to it rarely found in any other breed of flowerhorn. Pearling usually crosses all the way across the kok another rarity in flowerhorn breeds. This breed should represent the best characteristics of both kamfa and malau

Flowerhorn Strains
A more specific subset within a particular breed. Can get as specific as all coming from specific individual parent fish. Strains can also differ by country of origin and breeder.

JPG or Golden Apple
Created by Ah Soon of Malaysia these fish were characterised by a large stock body as well as metallic pearling.

IndoMalau
Created by ILC or indonesian louhan club, proprietary breed of the world famous ILC using a Golden monkey (or Malau) female and Zhen Zhu Malau (Zhen Zhu bred with a Golden Monkey) for the first batch that was sent to the US. Second batch spawned from the legendary Elvis and Golden Monkey female. Breed characterized by wild pearling all over the body, face, and head. What separates an IndoMalau's pearls from that of say a Zhen Zhu or a King Kamfa is that they are extremely fine. As the fish ages the pearls become more intricately woven and thinner. Prototypical dot-dash patterns found on Golden Monkey as well. Flowerlines vary dramatically some only have a few flower spots. Most ILC IndoMalaus will include some singular flowers on the back line or "top row". Red front half covers from the pectoral fins forwards, back half is a golden gradient intensifying in color towards the back half of the fish. Body is very wide and high a throwback to the original Louhan. Very pronounced chin or 'gobbler'. Head is usually a forward protruding water kok. Tail is fan shaped close to that of a kamfa, dorsal and anal fins lack trailers (a common trait found in Zhen Zhu) Caudle penduncle is very large and pronounced in this breed, this helps prevent development of drop tail.

Tan King
And the latest from our own vn . Created by Mr. Tan of VN, created by crossing a Zhen Zhu with a Kamfa. Breed has pearls and flowerline like that of a king kamfa, but body and finnage is more closely related to the Zhen Zhu description above. Most have protruding eyes like that of a Zhen Zhu and a more rounded tail also like the Zhen Zhu.