Buffalohead Cichlid
Steatocranus casuarius
Cichlidae
About
The buffalohead, or lionhead, cichlid is an unusual bottom-dwelling species from the fast-flowing rapids of the lower Congo River and Pool Malebo. Adapted to turbulent, highly oxygenated water, it has a reduced swim bladder and hops along the substrate in short, comical bursts rather than swimming freely. Mature males develop a pronounced fatty nuchal hump that gives the fish its name. Territorial but not overtly aggressive, it forms strong monogamous pairs and spawns in caves.
Care
Keep a bonded pair in a tank of 110 L or more with strong flow, powerful oxygenation, a sand base and plenty of rock caves. Digs actively, so anchor hardscape and use tough plants like Anubias tied to wood or stone. Fit a secure lid.
Diet
Omnivore that grazes algae and aufwuchs in nature; in the aquarium feed sinking pellets and flakes plus frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia, with some vegetable matter.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (229)
Avoid (42)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Buffalohead Cichlid need?
- A Buffalohead Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 110 litres (29.1 US gallons) with a footprint at least 90 cm (35.4 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Buffalohead Cichlid need?
- Buffalohead Cichlid does best at 24–28 °C (75.2–82.4 °F), pH 6–8 and a general hardness of 2–18 °dGH.
- Is the Buffalohead Cichlid suitable for beginners?
- Buffalohead Cichlid sits in the middle of the difficulty scale — manageable for a careful beginner who has done the reading, but it has specific needs worth researching first.