{"product_id":"humphead-cichlid-steatocranus-casuarius","title":"Humphead Cichlid | Steatocranus casuarius","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Humphead, or Buffalohead, Cichlid is one of the aquarium hobby's most endearing oddballs — a stocky Congo rapids specialist with a big rubbery forehead lump and a hopping, goby-like way of shuffling across the bottom. Because it has a reduced swim bladder, it doesn't hover so much as clamber and dart between the rocks. Hardy, characterful and full of personality, it reaches around 11 cm and settles quickly into a rocky tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species comes from the fast-flowing rapids of the lower Congo River in central Africa, where highly oxygenated water rushes over boulders and cobble. The reduced swim bladder is an adaptation to life in strong current, letting the fish stay pinned to the bottom rather than being swept away.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA short, muscular body in muted grey-brown, often with a subtle sheen and faint spangling on the flanks. The signature feature is the pronounced nuchal hump on the forehead, which grows larger and more dramatic in mature, dominant males. Females are smaller and carry a slimmer hump.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFairly peaceful for a cichlid most of the time, but territorial around a chosen cave, especially when breeding. It keeps to the lower levels and largely ignores mid-water fish. Best kept as a single pair or with robust, similarly confident tank mates; two males will squabble over territory in a smaller tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn omnivore that leans carnivorous. In the wild it grazes aufwuchs and picks invertebrates from the rocks. In the aquarium it happily takes quality sinking pellets, plus frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and small crustaceans. A varied diet keeps it in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive it a tank of at least 90 litres (120 litres or more is better for a pair with tank mates), aquascaped with plenty of rock, caves and smooth stones. It appreciates clean, well-oxygenated water and good flow that mimics its rapids home. Neutral, moderately soft to moderately hard water suits it, and it is an undemanding, hardy fish overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA secretive cave-spawner. A bonded pair chooses a cave or crevice and lays eggs on the ceiling; both parents guard the fry diligently. Breeding is quite achievable at home and watching the pair shepherd their young around the rockwork is a real highlight of keeping this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSteatocranus casuarius\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumphead \/ Buffalohead \/ Blockhead Cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLower Congo River rapids, Central Africa\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 11 cm (males; females smaller)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–10 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive (territorial around caves)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner–Intermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120+ litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (sinking pellets, frozen and live foods)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRocky, well-oxygenated cichlid and community tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMostly (may shift plants while digging, rarely eats them)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRobust, active fish that share its water preferences — Congo tetras, larger barbs, rainbowfish, synodontis catfish, and other calm, medium cichlids that won't be bullied or bully in return.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTiny nano fish that may be intimidated at the bottom, very long-finned slow swimmers, and large aggressive cichlids that will dominate this comparatively mild-mannered species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232784302371,"sku":null,"price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232784335139,"sku":"AA2717","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232784367907,"sku":null,"price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Humphead_Cichlid_Steatocranus_casuarius_e161496f-702d-406e-b5bc-9e37678a727b.jpg?v=1781446493","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/humphead-cichlid-steatocranus-casuarius","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}