Lionhead cichlid

Steatocranus casuarius - couples

The hump head cichlid ( Steatocranus casuarius ) is a freshwater ornamental fish from the family of cichlids. Other German names are Buckelkopfcichlide, hump head perch, Helmcichlide and Lion's Head.

Appearance

With sufficient food supply, the male develops a significant fat deposits on the face, which can be very impressive with advancing age. The female is often much smaller and only has a small hump.

Way of life

The hump head cichlid comes from the Congo Basin ( Lower Congo, pool Malebo ) and should not be confused with East African cichlids. He lives there in fast flowing rivers and in the quiet zones of rapids in caves and perennials. Because of this habitat to its swim bladder has reverse-engineered, whereby its jerky swimming behavior can be explained.

The fish is omnivorous and lives monogamous. He is a cavity nesters and can be up to twelve years in captivity.

Hunting and

Behavior

The hump head cichlid spawns in caves like stone structures and coconut shells. There he often looks out for hours, waiting for food. Has he spotted something (eg a mosquito larva ) he grabs it quickly and then immediately disappear into his cave. By getting used to the fish can lose their shyness.

To feel in his hideout well, the hump head cichlid begins immediately after collection with extensive Buddelarbeiten. Especially when he sets coming away, for better all-round visibility, the plants within a radius of about 20 cm away. This allows it to identify potential enemies faster, thus protecting the breed better. The fry remain some time after hatching in the cave before they are led by parents through the aquarium. In this case, predators are kept away from the juvenile fish.

You can keep in a community tank the bosses head cichlids without major problems. Neons and other small fish such as guppies or small Salmlerarten are not considered prey and only chased away if they approach the cave very much. Other perch as Pelvicachromis pulcher ( purple splendor perch) are not a problem if the aquarium is large enough that each chart bars can form their own territory. They deliver themselves, particularly with male conspecifics, impressive threatening gestures at the area boundary.

Aquarium

Bumphead cichlids need a slightly acidic pH, high flow and oxygen-rich water. But even a slightly alkaline pH to 8.0 is sufficient for their well-being. The temperature should be 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

Since the hump head cichlid is one reason residents and spends most of his time in his cave, even a relatively small aquarium can be referred to from 60 cm in length than adequate. Important is a cave as a shelter, he can dig up. A darker base is preferred. A socialization with other fish rarely causes problems. Important is a sufficient supply of oxygen. Especially in the high basin with low surface and little water movement, the fish can respond quickly to oxygen deficiency.