Steatocranus casuarius - Buffalohead Cichlid

Common Name(s):Buffalohead Cichlid
Humphead Cichlid

Scientific Name(s): Steatocranus casuarius

General Care: A relatively peaceful species, the Buffalohead cichlid is a suitable for a community tank containing fish of similar size and temperament. This species is very curious and intelligent, each fish having an amusing personality. Endemic to fast flowing rivers, S. casuarius prefers an aquarium with a plenty of current. The aquarium should also feature a a fair amount of rockwork.

Minimum Tank Size: A 20 gallon tank would be a suitable size for a pair of these fish.

Description: S. casuarius sports a greyish brown color, with light brown broken vertical bars, and the same light brown outlining the scales. May also develope a blue metallic color with age. Also with age, males begin to develop a humped head.

Distribution: Congo River and its tributaries, West Africa.

Diet: Being an omnivore, these fish will thrive on a diet that features both meaty foods and also plant life. A balanced diet will give this species what it needs to thrive and do well.

Water Parameters: pH - 6.0/8.0
Temperature - 75/85 F (24/30 C)

Size: Males reach about 6 inches while females reach about 4 inches.

Water Region: Mid to lower reaches of the water column.

Sexing: Males are generally larger, sport a larger hump on their heads, and generally have longer finnage.

Breeding: The male and the female will dig a cave under a rock or similar structure in preparation for breeding. The female will lay the eggs in the cave, typically on the roof and sides. The eggs hatch after about 3 or 4 days, and the fry become free-swimming after about 5 days. In most cases, both parents will participate in guarding the fry. The fry are typically very large, similar to the size of the fry from mouthbrooders. Once a pair forms, it will remain for life, staying loyal to each other. The loss of one could mean the loss of the other.

Photos:


Young male Steatocranus casuarius.


Male S. casuarius. Notice the large hump on the forehead.

Altolamprologus calvus - Pearly Lamprologus

Common Name(s): Calvus
Pearly Lamprologus

Scientific Name(s): Altolamprologus calvus

General Care: A fairly easy and somewhat docile cichlid suitable for Tanganyikan cichlid aquariums containing similar sized fish. A high protein diet is a necessity for the long term survival of this species. The Altolamprologus calvus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Large water changes are generally not appreciated, but this species will require good water quality.

Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for a single male or two females, at least 35 gallons for a male/female pair.

Description: Color is dependent on the many geographical variants, such as inkfin, white, yellow, black, etc. Characterized by a long snout, and numerous black vertical bars along its body length. A black line sloping from the eye to the mouth can be seen, this stripe is used to disguise and hide the eye. Another distinguishing feature is the bright speckles that are dominant along the sides of the fish.

Distribution: Lake Tanganyika, Africa.

Diet: This species is a carnivore, meaning it will require a high protein diet. Feeding on crustaceans and the fry of other fish species. Pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods will provide the proper nutrition to allow this fish to thrive.

Water Parameters: pH - 7.5/8.5
Temperature - 74/82 F (23/28 C)

Size: Males cann reach up to 6 inches while females are only 2/3 the size, and a little less than 4 inches. This size difference is exploited mainly during breeding. This species is known to be a very slow grower.

Water Region: Mid to lower reaches of the water column.

Sexing: Males are generally larger, females being about 2/3 the adult length of male. Males also tend to have more pointed fins, but this should not be used as a reliable method of sexing.

Breeding: Provide large shells, and/or caves for breeding. This species is a cave spawner in which the female will choose a cave with an opening that is too small for the male to fit it. The female will lay her eggs, with the male outside the cave releasing his milt. The male and the female will fan the milt into the cave to fertilize the eggs. The female will remain in the cave, fanning the eggs and tending to their needs, while the male will remain outside the cave for a few days guarding the area. After 2 or 3 days, the eggs will hatch. 10 days after the eggs have been laid, the fry will become free-swimming. The fry can be left with the parents, where the mother can guard them but it is likely they will become a treat for the male. Other options include removing the male and any other aquarium residence to allow the female to rear the fry in peace, or to remove the fry to a growout tank where you can raise them.

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