African Cichlid – African Blockhead, Humphead – 5cm

African Blockhead Humphead Cichlid

The African Blockhead Humphead Cichlid (Steatocranus casuarius) is a peaceful and fascinating freshwater fish with a blocky head. Males showcase striking blue and gold hues, while females display more subdued tones. These cichlids are well-known for their digging behavior, often rearranging substrate to suit their preferences. Their calm nature and unique appearance make them an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a low-maintenance but captivating addition to their aquarium.

Size and Lifespan

African Blockhead Humphead Cichlids typically grow up to 6 inches, with males being slightly larger than females. These fish can live for 8–10 years with proper care. To help them reach their full lifespan, ensure consistent water quality, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment. Their relatively long lifespan makes them a rewarding choice for hobbyists.

Tank Size, Setup, and Requirements

A 40-gallon tank is ideal for an African Blockhead Humphead Cichlid, though larger tanks are even better. Use sandy substrate since they love to dig and build nests. Add rocks, caves, and driftwood to mimic their natural environment and provide hiding spaces. Maintain a water temperature of 75–82°F and a pH of 7.5–8.5. Furthermore, strong filtration and weekly water changes are crucial to keep their water clean and healthy.

Tank Mates

African Blockhead Humphead Cichlids are more peaceful than many cichlid species, which makes them great for community tanks. Suitable tank mates include small Synodontis catfish, rainbowfish, or other gentle cichlids. However, avoid pairing them with aggressive or large fish that could intimidate them. Keeping a small group of 4–6 cichlids often reduces stress and encourages natural social behavior, as long as the tank has enough hiding spots.

Feeding and Nutrition

The African Blockhead Humphead Cichlid is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Feed them high-quality cichlid flakes or pellets as a staple. To provide variety, include frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Occasionally, offer spirulina-based foods or blanched vegetables for added nutrients. Feed them twice a day in small portions, ensuring they finish within a few minutes to prevent waste and maintain water quality.

Breeding and Sexing

Breeding African Blockhead Humphead Cichlids is relatively easy. Males are slightly larger and more colorful, while females have a rounder belly. These fish are substrate spawners, so they lay their eggs in sandy nests or hidden areas like caves. Both parents protect the eggs and fry, displaying strong parental instincts. To improve fry survival, provide plenty of hiding spots and feed the fry finely crushed food or baby brine shrimp.

Species Overview

• Species: Steatocranus casuarius
• Common Name: African Blockhead Humphead Cichlid
• Origin: Congo River Basin, Africa
• Diet: Omnivore
• PH Range: 7.5–8.5
• Temperature: 75–82°F
• Max Size: 6 inches
• Tank Size: 40 gallons

FAQs

1. Are African Blockhead Humphead Cichlids easy to care for?
Yes, they are hardy and peaceful, making them a great choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

2. Can they live with live plants?
Yes, they can live with hardy plants like Java fern or Anubias. However, avoid delicate plants since these fish love to dig.

3. How can I reduce aggression in the tank?
Provide plenty of caves and hiding spaces. Keeping them in a small group of 4–6 also helps minimize aggression.

4. Do they need sand in their tank?
Yes, sand is the best substrate because they enjoy digging and making nests, which is a natural behavior.

5. What is the best way to feed them?
Feed them twice daily with small portions of high-quality food, ensuring they consume everything within a few minutes.

Add the unique African Blockhead Humphead Cichlid to your aquarium today! Their peaceful nature, fascinating behavior, and striking appearance make them the perfect centerpiece for any tank. Order now and watch your tank come to life!