All fish / Cichlidae

Lionhead Cichlid

Steatocranus casuarius

Also known as lionhead cichlid, african blockhead cichlid, blockhead cichlid, buffalohead cichlid, buffalo head cichlid, lion head cichlid, humphead cichlid, ブロックヘッド・シクリッド, 狮头鲷, 狮头慈鲷

This is a stocky, bottom-hugging cichlid from the Congo rapids, coloured dull grey-brown to blue-grey. Adult males grow a large fatty hump on the forehead, which gives the species its common name. Keepers like it for its character, toughness and the way pairs dig and guard caves together.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

One pair; no other bottom-dwelling cichlids in smaller tanks

Diet

Omnivore: sinking cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lower and middle Congo River rapids, DR Congo and Republic of the Congo

Breeding

It forms monogamous pairs that lay eggs inside a cave, and both parents guard the eggs and fry for several weeks. It breeds readily in a well-furnished tank, so it is a good first cichlid to spawn.

Good to know

Pairs turn very territorial when breeding and will harass other bottom-dwellers, so give plenty of caves and floor space. It needs well-oxygenated water with some current, and it likes to dig, so secure rockwork.