Humphead Cichlid - Lionhead 4cm

Humphead Cichlid - Lionhead

Humphead cichlids are an incredibly underrated African cichlid, it has an incredibly unique look, a great comical personality, and stays relatively small at 10cm. Humphead cichlids have a pretty large range out in the wild and they can be found through the Congo river and even in lake Tanganyika. These fish have a reduced swim bladder which means you’ll see them acting almost like a big goby often perched on a hardscape or just resting on the substrate. They can get along with other African cichlids quite well as long as their territorial needs are met. This will be a perfect species to highlight in a species-only aquarium and specifically if you have a large shallow aquarium that’s looking for an odd fish.

As the name suggests, humphead cichlids develop a large nuchal hump as they mature, although this is most prominent in males, females can also show signs of it as well. The most easiest way of describing this fish is as if the face of a flower horn was glued onto a Mbuna cichlid. The humphead cichlid can range in colours that range from brown to blue but for the most part, you’ll see these fish sporting a navy blue colouration with a series of lighter stripes and blotches across the body. The crisscrossing of scales is really clear on these fish and the head size can be almost half the length of the body size which gives these fish their comical look. These are tropical cichlid species that would best prefer a temperature range between 24-26 degrees and being an African cichlid means that they will also need a higher PH level of 8.0-8.5.

Breeding these cichlids in captivity is quite common, males and females firstly can be told apart quite easily. Females will be much smaller in size, have little to no nuchal hump, and have rounded dorsal and ventral fins. Makes on the other hand will have long, streamer-like dorsal fins and ventral fins that end in a point. Once ready to spawn, the male will incite the female into the cave to lay eggs which he will then protect.   

Tank Recommendations for your Humphead Cichlid

As the humphead cichlid only reaches around 10 cm, an adult pair of these fish can easily be kept in a tank of around 70 liters. An ideal aquarium for a breeding pair however will be a larger aquarium with a large footprint as this will minimize any territorial aggression. They will however also thrive when kept in a colony of 6 or more.  

With enough caves and hiding places, territorial aggression should remain minimal. Having a sandy aragonite substrate will also help in buffering the water PH to ensure it remains high. These fish will also not eat plants but they may dig out anything that is planted in the substrate. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The humphead cichlid is a relatively peaceful but territorial African cichlid. They can be kept with a range of medium to larger growing African cichlids without an issue. Since these fish require a higher PH of around 8 the tank mates chosen should be adaptable to this.

Usually Compatible

Peacock Cichlid, Frontosa, princess cichlids, Lemairii cichlids, and synodontis catfish.

Sometimes Compatible

Mbuna, lemon cichlids, larger Julidochromis species. 

Rarely Compatible

Nano cichlids like shell dwellers, bichirs, and South American cichlids

Feeding your Lionhead cichlid

Lionhead cichlids will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition. The ideal diet would be good quality pellet food, supplemented with some protein foods.