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Lionhead Cichlid

Steatocranus casuarius Poll, 1939

Also called African blockhead, Buffalohead cichlid, Humphead cichlid, Lumphead

SpeciesShort profile

From Central Africa: Pool Malebo (Stanley Pool) and the lower Congo River in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.123

At a glance the quick version

Length10 to 12 cm123
Sizesmall
Unique forehead hump
Charming hopping swimming style
Dedicated parents
2

Looks how to spot one

Bottom-dwelling rapids cichlid

A sturdy, elongated cichlid with a big rounded forehead hump that is most impressive in adult males.23

Coloursmuted, understated tones2

Personality what they are like

Territorial and pair-oriented; settles best with non-cichlid tankmates.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Hops along the bottom in short bursts instead of swimming in open water.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide strong flow and good oxygenation in parts of the tank, with quieter corners, plus caves made from rocks.23

Home where they are happiest

Tropical water of about 24 to 28 C, pH roughly 6 to 8 and 2-19 dGH, in a tank with a base of at least 75 x 30 cm (FishBase suggests 80 cm for a pair).21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feeds a lot on algae in the wild; offer quality pellets or flakes plus live or frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.12

Company who they like around

Keep as a pair; good with tetras, plecos and catfish, and other cichlids only in a very large tank.21

The story where it all began

Poll described the species in 1939 from Pool Malebo and the lower Congo River. It is a rapids specialist that is also found in the aquarium trade.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its swim bladder is reduced, so it hops along the bottom instead of hovering in midwater.2

  2. 2

    The forehead hump can change size quite quickly.2

  3. 3

    It lives in fast-flowing rapids, which makes it a rheophilic fish.3

  4. 4

    Both parents guard their young for up to three months.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 16 February 2009)1
Taxonomy
Described by Poll in 1939; family Cichlidae1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Lionhead Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Lionhead Cichlid?

Feed your Lionhead Cichlid small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day with small portions. This matches their natural grazing habits.12 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Lionhead Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

Offer quality pellets or flakes along with live or frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. Avoid any foods not designed for fish, and always check with a vet for specific dietary restrictions.12

How much space does a Lionhead Cichlid need?

A pair needs a tank with a base of at least 75 x 30 cm (about 30 x 12 inches). FishBase suggests 80 cm for a pair, so provide plenty of floor space for these bottom-dwellers.21

What temperature, light or water does a Lionhead Cichlid need?

Keep tropical water at 24 to 28°C, pH 6 to 8, and hardness 2 to 19 dGH. Provide strong flow in some areas with quieter corners and caves made from rocks. Light is not specified, but a standard aquarium light is fine.21

How often should I clean a Lionhead Cichlid's home?

Change about 25% of the water weekly, test the water weekly, and clean the glass weekly. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Furry Diary's plan follows this routine. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Lionhead Cichlid live with others?

Yes, they are territorial and pair-oriented, so keep them as a pair. They get along well with tetras, plecos, and catfish. Other cichlids need a very large tank to avoid conflict.21

How long does a Lionhead Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Lionhead Cichlid?

Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish. Enjoy watching them hop along the bottom instead. If you must move them, use a soft net and ask a vet for guidance.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FishBase: Steatocranus casuarius fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, diet, describer
  2. Seriously Fish: Steatocranus casuarius seriouslyfish.comused for names, size, water parameters, tank size, flow, diet, behaviour, swimbladder
  3. Wikipedia: Steatocranus casuarius en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, habitat

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.