Lionhead Cichlid (Steatocranus casuarius)

The Lionhead Cichlid or Steatocranus casuarius is a popular freshwater tropical aquarium fish originally found in Pool Malebo and the Congo River in Africa. This species of Cichlid goes by a few different common names including Blockhead Cichlid, African Blockhead, Buffalohead, Humphead Cichlid, Lionhead, Lumphead and Buffalo Cichlid. As you can see in the pictures, they get their nicknames from the large hump on the top of their heads.  The picture below shows a juvenile Lionhead Cichlid, their heads tend to become more prominent as they grow older.  

Male Lionhead Cichlids can grow to about to about 4 1/2" (11 cm) with the females being a bit smaller in size. When in an aquarium they are said to be found on the bottom and have jerky movement much like that of a Goby. They have a smaller swim bladder then most fish which allows them to stay on the bottom with ease.  You can check them out in an aquarium setting in the video below. 

An aquarium with the following conditions is suitable for the Lionhead Cichlid Hardness: 3 - 17° dH, Ph: 6.0 - 8.0, and Temperatures at 73 - 82 ° F (23 - 28 ° C). These fish are omnivores that should be fed a variety of foods including algae, flake, pellet, live foods and frozen foods. A good trick to keep your water clean is to feed them 2 to 3 times a day in smaller amounts instead of a large quantity once a day.  They normally get a long well with other fish and will be happier if they are provided a few good hiding spots.

If you have any additional information about the Lionhead Cichlid please leave us a comment below.