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African Blockhead, lat. Steatocranus casuarius


Order: Cichliformes;
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Steatocranus;
Species and synonyms: African Blockhead (Steatocranus casuarius, African Blockhead, Humphead Cichlid, Buckelkopfbuntbarsch, Bulderhoved Cichlid).

GBIF: Steatocranus casuarius Poll, 1939

African Blockhead (lat. Steatocranus casuarius) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Steatocranus. One of the most unusual and popular cichlids from the Congo River system, known for its distinctive appearance.

Distribution. Steatocranus casuarius is endemic to the Congo River system in Central Africa, mainly in the Stanley Pool (now Lake Malebo) rapids area. The fish prefer fast-flowing waters with rocky bottoms, often found in areas with strong currents and plenty of shelters.

Care requirements. The African Blockhead is a fish that grows up to 10–12 cm in the aquarium. To keep a pair or a small group, an aquarium of at least 100 liters with a length of 80 cm is recommended. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as the fish may jump out. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 8–20 dGH, pH 6.5–7.5. Powerful filtration with strong flow, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Large stones, driftwood and shelters, sandy or fine gravel substrate are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves.

African Blockheads are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, algae and organic debris in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality pellets for cichlids, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia), as well as plant components (spirulina, blanched vegetables). Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.

In the aquarium, African Blockheads are active in the lower and middle water layers. They are territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics and other fish, especially during spawning. It is recommended to keep them in pairs or in groups with one male and several females. Recommended tankmates include other cichlids from the Congo River system of comparable size. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving or too small fish.

Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. African Blockheads are substrate spawners, laying eggs in caves or under rocks. They reach sexual maturity at 10–12 months. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Eggs incubate for 3–5 days, fry are fed Artemia nauplii, microworms and fine dry food.

The African Blockhead gets its name from its large head with a characteristic fatty hump on the forehead, resembling a lion's head. In males, this hump is larger and more pronounced. The body coloration is greyish-brown or olive with a bluish sheen on the head and fins. It is one of the most unusual cichlids, capable of attaching to surfaces in strong currents. Life expectancy is 8–12 years.