Unfortunately imports from the Congo are becoming more and more rare, but when they do come, they usually include humphead cichlids (Steatocranus). There are almost always three species mixed. The strongest and most high-backed of them is S. casuarius, which can be recognized by the black scale centers. It has – due to mood – irregular vertical body bands (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/steatocranus_casuarius_wild_de/). Slightly more slender and with pale scale centers is S. gibbiceps, which shows regular vertical body bands (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/steatocranus-gibbiceps/). Finally, the most delicate and slender of this troop, S. tinanti, which shows two horizontal body bands.
Steatocranus tinanti is a peaceful fish despite its threatening looking massive jaw. It can grow up to 15 cm long, but as a wild caught fish it is already sexually mature with 6-7 cm (male) and 3-4 cm (female). In this size the fish shows very pretty yellow fins. S. tinanti is a typical cave-breeder with pair-bond. The male guards and defends the territory, the female takes care of spawn and young. Any common ornamental fish food is readily accepted, but it should not be too fatty and contain plenty of fiber. Water temperature should be in the range of 24-28°C, water composition (hardness, pH) are largely irrelevant as long as extremes are avoided.
For our customers: the animals have code 575404 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
