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Buffalohead Cichlid, Steatocranus casuarius
West African · Species profile

Buffalohead Cichlid care

Territorial toward other bottom dwellers, especially when breeding.

  • Up to about 4.5 inches, not counting the tailAdult size
  • 75 to 82 FTemperature

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Food

Quality sinking pellets plus live and frozen foods.

Feeding guide

Tank mates

Fish that like current and use the upper water.

Compatibility guide

Best setup

A 30 inch tank or larger. Rocky caves, sand, and strong flow with plenty of oxygen, much like a river setup.

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In the fish room

Buffalohead Cichlid in color

Bold color, real personality, natural-looking setups. The look that makes you stop in a great fish store.

Buffalohead Cichlid, full body
Buffalohead Cichlid, full body
Buffalohead Cichlid color and form
Buffalohead Cichlid color and form
West African biotope look
West African biotope look

Care basics

The buffalohead lives in the rapids of the lower Congo River, and males grow a large fatty hump on the head.

Give it caves and strong, well oxygenated flow, with tank mates that enjoy current and stay off the bottom.

Quick facts

Scientific nameSteatocranus casuarius
GroupCentral Africa
Native toLower Congo River in DR Congo and the Republic of the Congo
Adult sizeUp to about 4.5 inches, not counting the tail
Tank sizeA 30 inch tank or larger
Temperature75 to 82 F
pH6.0 to 7.5
TemperamentTerritorial toward other bottom dwellers, especially when breeding.

Figures follow published species profiles such as Seriously Fish, and tank sizes are general guidance. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.

Where to buy

In stock online for Buffalohead Cichlid

We check these online sellers that ship. Partners show up first. Local shops are listed separately as visit the store.

Founding partners get the top Buy from this store button when they carry this fish. None are signed yet. Become a founding partner.

  • Imperial Tropicals
    2-3" UnsexedIn stock, checked 2:00 PM ET
Sold out at last check (2)

Stock checked 2:00 PM ET on 2026-10-27. A fish can sell out between checks.

Local fish stores

Walk-in shops are listed as visit the store only. We do not claim their stock online. Find a store near you.

Ozzy the oscar holding a shopping bag
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Shop the Buffalohead Cichlid setup

The tank, food, filter, heater and decor that suit Buffalohead Cichlid, based on the care notes above.

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Gear We Recommend

Gear for Buffalohead Cichlid

All gear
Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter
Best for: 55 to 100 gallon tanks

Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter

Quiet multi-stage canister that is the workhorse of mid-size cichlid tanks.

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Cobalt Aquatics Medium Cichlid Hut Breeding Cave
Best for: Cave spawners

Cobalt Aquatics Medium Cichlid Hut Breeding Cave

Spawning sites for apistos, kribs and many Africans.

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Hikari Cichlid Gold Medium Pellets
Best for: Most mid size cichlids

Hikari Cichlid Gold Medium Pellets

A balanced daily food. Sinking pellets reach shy fish too.

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Aqueon / All Glass 40 Gallon Breeder
Best for: Shell dwellers and breeding pairs

Aqueon / All Glass 40 Gallon Breeder

Wide footprint for territories. A fish room favorite.

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Buy from a cichlid store. Find a local fish store near you or a trusted seller with fish in stock online.