Lionheads from Africa

[Orion]

The fish is called Steatocranus casuarius and is from the the Zaire river in Africa. Keeping condition is 24-28*C. Clean fast flowing water pH<7 acidic condition ,can keep with bogwood and plants.They are very hardy and big eater so filtration must be 'oversized' and regular water change.They grow to about 11cm and all have hump head.(cephalic lump), female much smaller.

This fish don't swim like a normal cichlid but like to 'hop' from one location to another much like a overweight goby in calculated moves that make them look intelligent.Although they are not colourful,being in drab greyish,they more than make up by having great personality and affection to the owner.

This is the one I have in a specially constructed hard coral stones. She is especially fond of this cave.

[joopsg]

They are also known as blockheads right??

[Orion]

Oh yes by the way it swim.....

[doppelbanddwarf]

Since the fish prefers acidic water, wouldn't it be better to use driftwoods/bogwoods to provide caves instead of coral rocks which raise the pH of the water.

[Orion]

I thought of that too... I think fishes not wild caught and though successsive generations of farm breeding in local water has learnt to adapt. Monitoring it for months and found no problem.