Blockhead cichlid
Steatocranus casuarius
Also known as Buffalo head cichlid
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Adult size
- 4.7 in
- 12 cm
- Minimum tank
- 25 gal
- 95 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Cave spawner · Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Congo Basin
Overview
The blockhead cichlid is a mostly peaceful cichlid for a rocky tank with caves and good flow. It is easy to keep.
Did you know
Both blockhead parents are dedicated caregivers. They take turns fanning fresh water over the eggs, then keep guarding and herding the fry well after hatching. That is more hands-on parenting than you might expect from a fish this size.
Caring for the blockhead cichlid
Give a pair of blockhead cichlids at least 25 gal (95 L), set up as a rocky tank full of caves. Add plenty of flow and good oxygenation.
Keep the water warm, at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), with a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Feed sinking pellets and frozen foods, with the occasional bit of vegetable matter.
Blockhead cichlids are mostly peaceful and fine alone or in a group. Choose tank mates with care, since pairs get territorial when breeding.
Males develop the large forehead hump that gives the fish its name. Pairs lay their eggs inside a cave, and breeding them is of medium difficulty.
Good to know
The blockhead cichlid is a member of the family Cichlidae. It has a reduced swim bladder, an adaptation for staying down on the bottom in current. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
In the wild
Blockhead cichlids live in the fast, rocky rapids of the Congo River in Central Africa. They tuck into caves and crevices among the stones. The water there is warm and runs from slightly acidic to neutral.
Common questions
What size tank does a blockhead cichlid need?
A blockhead cichlid needs at least 25 gal (95 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a blockhead cichlid need?
A blockhead cichlid is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.5–8.0.
What does a blockhead cichlid eat?
A blockhead cichlid eats sinking pellets and frozen foods. Give it the occasional bit of vegetable matter as well.
How big does a blockhead cichlid get?
An adult blockhead cichlid reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).
How can you tell a male blockhead cichlid from a female?
Males develop the large forehead hump that gives the blockhead cichlid its name.
How does a blockhead cichlid breed?
Blockhead cichlid pairs lay their eggs inside a cave and turn territorial while breeding. Breeding them is of medium difficulty.
Related species
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