Flowerhorn cichlids originated from Malaysian fish farms in 1993 that bred cichlids with protruding forehead features known as "warships". Flowerhorns have a lifespan of 10-12 years and prefer water temperatures between 80-85°F and a pH of 7.4-8.0. Males are typically larger with brighter colors than females. Young flowerhorns undergo a fading phase where they lose color and turn black before developing vibrant adult colors like yellow or red. The King Kamfa strain from Thailand has white or yellow sunken eyes and is the most expensive variety, while the Kamfamalau cross has distinctive pearling on its fins.