Super Red Dragon

How To Care For Super Red Dragon

The Super Red Dragon Flowerhorn is a stunning and highly sought-after variety of Flowerhorn cichlid, celebrated for its vivid red coloration, prominent nuchal hump, and bold personality. As one of the most popular Flowerhorn breeds, the Super Red Dragon captivates aquarists with its fiery red body, metallic sheen, and the dynamic contrast of darker markings or patterns. It is a hybrid fish, selectively bred for its aesthetic appeal and robust health, making it a centerpiece in many aquarium collections.

This Flowerhorn variety is renowned for its striking red hue, which often spans the entirety of its body, creating a vibrant and fiery appearance. The intensity of the red color is complemented by a shimmering metallic texture that enhances its visual appeal under aquarium lighting. Many Super Red Dragons also exhibit intricate black or dark markings along their sides, adding further depth and contrast to their appearance. The species’ signature nuchal hump, which grows prominently on the head, adds to its majestic and imposing presence.

Super Red Dragons are relatively large fish, reaching lengths of up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) when fully grown. Due to their size and active swimming behavior, they require spacious tanks, with a minimum size of 75 gallons (284 liters) for a single fish. Larger tanks are recommended if housing additional tank mates, as they are territorial and can display aggressive behavior, particularly toward other males or similarly dominant species.

Caring for a Super Red Dragon involves providing a balanced diet to maintain its vibrant colors and overall health. These fish are omnivores and thrive on high-quality Flowerhorn pellets, which are specially formulated to enhance coloration and promote growth. Supplementing their diet with live or frozen foods like shrimp, bloodworms, and krill, along with occasional plant matter, ensures they receive the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and vibrant.

Super Red Dragons are known for their bold and interactive personalities. They are intelligent and often recognize their owners, sometimes following them across the tank or responding to movements outside the aquarium. However, their territorial nature makes them better suited for species-specific tanks or tanks with other large, robust fish capable of coexisting with their assertive demeanor. It’s important to provide ample hiding spots, rocks, and decorations to create distinct territories and minimize aggression.

For optimal living conditions, Super Red Dragons prefer warm water temperatures ranging from 78°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C) and a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining excellent water quality is crucial, as Flowerhorns produce a significant amount of waste. A strong filtration system and regular water changes are essential to ensure a clean and healthy environment. Good water quality not only supports their health but also helps to preserve their brilliant coloration.