No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Buffalohead Cichlid
Steatocranus casuarius
📍 Africa
The Buffalohead Cichlid is a small, bottom-dwelling African cichlid known for its distinctive humped head and peaceful temperament. This species is ideal for planted tanks and community setups, making it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate aquarists. Despite their small size, they display interesting behaviors and can live for many years with proper care.
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Buffalohead Cichlid to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Care Guide
Diet
Buffalohead Cichlids are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume small crustaceans, insect larvae, and plant material. Feed high-quality sinking pellets, micro pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworms. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, adjusting portions based on tank bioload.
Behavior
These cichlids are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their time foraging along the substrate. They are relatively inactive compared to other cichlids and prefer dimly lit environments with plenty of hiding spots. They are generally solitary or found in pairs and do not exhibit aggressive territorial behavior.
Breeding
Buffalohead Cichlids are cave spawners that breed readily in well-established tanks with suitable substrate and hiding places. Breeding pairs will prepare a spawning site and guard their eggs and fry aggressively. Provide fine sand substrate and PVC tubes or caves to encourage breeding behavior.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish that occupy different water zones
Peaceful bottom dweller that shares similar habitat preferences
Compatible bottom feeder with similar water parameter requirements
Peaceful invertebrate that helps with algae control
May compete for space; monitor for aggression
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe
Bloat (Malawi Bloat)
Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, lethargy
Perform large water changes, feed high-quality varied diet, avoid overfeeding; use medicated food if available
Columnaris
White or grayish film on body, mouth rot, fin deterioration, lethargy
Improve water quality immediately, increase aeration, use antibacterial medication, maintain optimal temperature and pH
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)