Buffalo Head Cichlid

<p>The average adult male is 4.8 inches while the average adult female is 3 inches. They can be black, blue or gray and the male develops a large hump on the head with age. They have a modified swim bladder that reduces buoyancy preventing the fish from being swept away by strong currents, also, due to the strong currents they developed a jerky style of swimming. The tank should have caves, piles of rocks and a sandy substrate (they like to dig and create a network of caves and tunnels). The water should be well-oxygenated and have a strong flow. It should have a pH between 6.0-7.5 and temperatures ranging from 75ºF to 82ºF. They are generally peaceful but can become quite territorial and aggressive during breeding or against fish they see as a threat. They can be kept in community aquariums, however, it is best to avoid having smaller fish, other Cichlids, and other bottom-dwellers as tankmates. Suitable tankmates include <em>Alestiid </em>tetras, <em>Chiloglanis</em> sp. and some larger barbs and characins. This species should be kept in pairs.</p>

<p>This species is omnivorous. In the wild, it feeds on smaller fish, insect larvae, crustaceans and vegetable matter. In captivity, they can be fed with either dried foods or live/frozen foods.</p>

<p>The male is larger and has a large hump on the head.</p>

<p>This species forms pairs which bond is so strong that if one dies, the other one may not seek another partner. To breed these fish in a tank, it is best to isolate them from the rest of the community and give them their own tank and also provide them with plenty of live and frozen foods. Spawning occurs in caves or in spawning sites the pair dug. The fry hatch in 5 to 7 days and become free swimming in 11 to 14 days. As soon as they become free swimming, they will leave the cave and look for food while being guarded by the adults. Parental care lasts up to 3 months, and if the young are left in the aquarium they will be tolerated by the adult pair even if they had a new brood.</p>

<p>This species can be found in the Lower Congo River, Africa. It inhabits fast-moving and turbulent waters but is usually found in patches of still water.</p>

Venomous (Change Content)