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Lionhead Cichlid

Steatocranus casuarius

Freshwater West and central Africa Usually captive bred

A characterful rheophilic cichlid native to the rapids of the Congo River, noted for its hopping locomotion and prominent cranial hump in mature males. It is peaceful toward non-cichlids but requires brisk water flow, heavy aeration, and cave structures for shelter and breeding.

Also called: Lionhead cichlid, African blockhead, Humphead cichlid, Lionhead.

10 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 10 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 120 L, at least 80 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 30 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 3 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 23 to 27 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6.5 to 7.5 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 4 to 15, KH 3 to 10 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow High Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Territorial: weak.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 8 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Suits a first tank A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Lionhead Cichlid is an omnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover. It digs, so anchor plants and keep hard rock off loose sand.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.