Steatocranus

Steatocranus is a genus of small rheophilic cichlids mostly native to the Congo River Basin in DR Congo/Congo Brazzaville, although one species, S. irvinei, is restricted to the Volta River in Ghana and will likely be removed from this genus at a future date. There are also at least 10 undescribed species awaiting description.

Contents

• Steatocranus casuarius altolamprologus calvus
• Steatocranus casuarius blockhead cichlid or lionhead with fry
• Species
• References

The fish in this genus all have relatively reduced swim bladder function. The name Steatocranus refers to the fatty deposit on the forehead of most species.

Two species, S. casuarius (also known as the lionhead or buffalohead cichlid) and S. tinanti are relatively common in the aquarium trade.

As for other cichlids brood care is highly developed and both sexes are involved in raising the young. All Steatocranus species are secretive cave spawners and form monogamous pairs for breeding. The female is more actively involved in fry raising, while the male is primarily concerned with territorial defence.