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TROPICAL What do I need for these characterful cichlids?
What do I need to set up for Steatocranus humphead cichlids, and which would be the best species to keep? What ratio of males to females would be best?
J. COOK
JEREMY REPLIES: Known as humphead, lumphead, or even lionhead cichlids from the genus Steatocranus, these West African dwarf cichlids inhabit fast-flowing, sometimes torrential coastal rivers, where they have developed reduced swimbladders to help them hug the bottom. The Congo lumphead cichlid, Steatocranus casuarius, is the most common and the one we will concentrate on here, but other species such as Steatocranus tinanti are also sometimes available and can be kept in the same way.
Lumpheads are so called because of the fatty nuchal head humps they develop, with males having larger head humps, longer dorsal and anal fins, and growing to a larger size than females. They are pair-forming cave spawners, although a group consisting of many pairs can be kept in the same tank and, while they squabble, you’ll see their most interesting behaviour that way—and the largest humps will develop via competition between the males.
Lumpheads are bottom-dwelling fish, so decorate the tank to resemble a fast-flowing river and focus on creating territories across the entire base, with rocks, wood, or ferns breaking the line of sight. You can keep it natural with large, smooth boulders, pebbles, and a mix of round gravels while also concealing pipes and broken flowerpots to provide the extra caves and territories they crave. Gravel is important as they use it for excavation and to further disguise breeding caves.
Provide strong flow from powerheads, wave-making pumps, or external filters, and bury airstones or bubble-walls as these rapids cichlids need very high oxygen levels. Air bubbles also add to the river rapids theme. A ratio of one male to one female is best as they are pair-forming, and you won’t need spares. Aim for a tank of at least 90cm in length if you’re keeping just one pair but upgrade to 120cm or larger for five pairs. They will mix well with medium-sized characins, barbs, and catfish, although the latter will present a risk to the eggs if you want to breed them.
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