Buffalo Head Cichlid

🔹 Scientific Name: Steatocranus casuarius

🔹 Common Names: Buffalo Head Cichlid, Lionhead Cichlid, African Blockhead Cichlid

📏 Size

• Maximum Size: Around 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm)

• Males are typically larger and more robust than females.

🌍 Native Habitat

• Origin: Congo River Basin, Central Africa

• Found in fast-moving, oxygen-rich rivers and streams, especially around rocky areas where they shelter in crevices.

⏳ Lifespan

• Average Lifespan: 5 to 8 years with proper care

🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Omnivorous, though they show strong carnivorous tendencies

• In the wild, they feed on insects, small crustaceans, and biofilm scraped from rocks

• In captivity, they thrive on:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets

  • Bloodworms

  • Brine shrimp

  • Daphnia

  • Occasional blanched vegetables or spirulina-based food

🧬 Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Cave spawners and biparental caregivers (both male and female guard the nest and fry)

• Breeding Season: No strict season in captivity—can breed year-round if tank conditions are suitable

• They prefer rocky caves or clay pots for spawning

• Fry emerge after a few days and are closely guarded by parents

🐟 Best Tank Mates

Buffalo Head Cichlids are semi-aggressive, but relatively peaceful compared to many African cichlids. They are territorial, especially during breeding, but can coexist with similarly tempered species.

• Best tank mates:

  • Peaceful to semi-aggressive West African cichlids (e.g., Pelvicachromis species)

  • Congo Tetras (large and fast enough to avoid trouble)

  • Synodontis catfish

  • Plecos (smaller species)

  • Rainbowfish or barbs that can handle flowing water

• Avoid:

  • Very aggressive African or Central American cichlids

  • Fragile or slow-moving fish

  • Overcrowding, which increases stress and territorial fights

🏡 Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a pair; 40–55 gallons for a small group

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Soft to moderately hard water

• Tank Setup:

  • Strong filtration and water flow (to mimic river conditions)

  • Plenty of rocks, caves, and hiding spots

  • Sandy or fine gravel substrate