Lionhead Cichlid is known by several names such as African Blockhead, Buffalohead, Humphead Cichlid, Lionhead, or Lumphead. It comes from Pool Malebo and the Congo River.
This fish likes strong water currents and eats mostly algae.
Lionhead Cichlids are often found in the aquarium trade. To keep them in an aquarium, they should be kept in pairs with at least 80 cm (31 inches) of tank length available.
Lionhead Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Lionhead Cichlids mate for life and lay eggs in caves.
- These fish prefer strong water currents and eat mostly algae.
- In aquariums, they need at least 31 inches of tank length when kept in pairs.
- They can lay around 20 to 150 eggs at a time.
Lionhead Cichlid Habitat
Lionhead Cichlid is a tropical fish found in Africa’s Pool Malebo and the lower Congo River, in both the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It’s a freshwater fish that prefers to stay near the bottom (demersal).
The ideal water conditions for this species include a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, a hardness level (dH) of 5 to 19, and temperatures between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
This fish is found around latitudes 3°S to 7°S.
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Lionhead Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters)
Lionhead Cichlid grows up to 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters) long.
Lionhead Cichlid Reproduction
Lionhead Cichlid mates for life and lays eggs in caves. Females lay around 20 to 150 eggs at a time.
Lionhead Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Steatocranus |
| Scientific Name: | Steatocranus casuarius |
| Also Known As: | Lionhead Cichlid, African Blockhead, Buffalohead, Humphead Cichlid, Lionhead, Lumphead |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |