Differentiation between ZZ and Kamfa

[dave6238]

This is my own interpretation and it is meant to be used only as a guide to assist newbies who want to learn how to ID a Zhen Zhu (Pearl Luohan) from a Kamfa (Flower Luohan). It is by no means exhaustive as I may have left out some distinguishing features of the 2 breeds. Hope experts will come in to correct any mistakes and to fill in the void.



Forehead/Hump/Kok – The forehead of a Kamfa rises higher than a regular Zhen Zhu and can grow into a round and huge water kok above the head when the fish is bigger.




Side of Forehead – Zhen Zhu has more conspicuous black markings on the side of the forehead compared to Kamfa.

Flowerline - The flowerline of a Kamfa is not as neat and organized as a regular Zhen Zhu. Most of them are uneven and some Kamfa may not even have any flowerline on their bodies. Many Zhen Zhu have straight and well-defined flowerline (single or double rows) across their bodies.





Lips – The lips of a Kamfa are smooth and circular. The lower lip of a regular Zhen Zhu tends to stick out and the upper lip is shorter, giving the impression of a protruding lower jaw. A Kamfa’s mouth is usually shorter than that of a regular Zhen Zhu.

Face - The face of a Kamfa is smooth and chubby and resembles a human baby’s face. The face of most regular Zhen Zhu has more wrinkles and will look like an old folk when the fish gets older.




Eyes – The eyes of a Zhen Zhu are bigger, protruding and red in colour. Kamfa’s eyes are smaller, inset and can be white or red in colour.




Finnages – The dorsal and anal fins of a Kamfa are closer to the caudal fin or tail and are pointed backwards. Some of them even touch or overlap the edges of the tail and make the fish looks like it has one continuous finnage (called wrap tail). The fins of a regular Zhen Zhu are usually further away from the tail and point upwards (for dorsal fin) and downwards (for anal fin) – resulting in some people calling them “wong fei hong” fins.