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The Latin name for the lion-headed cichlid is Steatocranus casuarius. The name of the fish is due to the fact that the males of this species have a lump on their heads. To date, there are many species of fish with a similar feature of appearance, but recently such a bump was rare.
general characteristics
Another interesting difference between lion-headed cichlids is that they swim in a special way. They do not just float, but move in jerks, each time leaning on the bottom of a pond or aquarium. This feature is due to the fact that these fish live in reservoirs in which the flow is quite strong. They move, resting on the fin. Their swimbladder is smaller. This allows you to increase the weight of the fish in the water, as well as gives her the opportunity to resist the flow.
Compared with other representatives of cichlids, lion-headed representatives are small. Individuals grow to 11 cm. This allows you to keep representatives of the species even in relatively small aquariums.
Water hardness and pH for them does not play a big role. But at the same time it is important that the water is always very clean, it must contain enough oxygen. After all, these fish are accustomed to just such water.
These cichlids are quite livable. They can coexist with small fish, which also prefer fast water. These fish find a mate to stay together. Therefore, if one of the partners dies, then the second fish is difficult to re-pair. With other individuals, they often do not want to spawn. Lionhead cichlid can be attributed to territorial fish. This is especially evident during spawning.
Habitat in nature
Description
These fish have an elongated body. Their head is quite big. The eyes of the lion-headed cichlid are blue. A distinctive feature of the males of this species is the presence of a cone on the head, consisting of adipose tissue. During the life of the fish, it increases in size. The fishes are green in color. There are brown, gray, and blue blotches. Today you can meet a representative of the species, which has a dark blue color. The male has an average length of 11 cm, while the female is 3 cm less. Sometimes lionhead cichlids can grow up to 15 cm in length.
How to feed
In the wild, these fish usually feed on benthos and some insects. When the aquarium content of representatives of this species is recommended to feed frozen food. You can buy special foods that are designed for cichlids.
These fish are omnivores. Therefore, when feeding them there should be no particular problems.
Content
It is advisable that the aquarium in which you will contain lionheaded cichlids has a volume of at least 80 liters.The bottom of the aquarium should siphon. Water is better to change as often as possible. In addition, it is important to ensure that there is no ammonia and various nitrates in the water. After all, in nature, these fish are accustomed to live in fairly clean water. The composition of the water in this case is not very important. But these cichlids love to have a lot of oxygen in the water. External filter should be powerful. The most comfortable these fish will feel in the water with a strong flow. After all, it is this kind of environment that is most familiar to them.
If you want to plant algae in the aquarium, it is better to plant them in pots. These fish can actively dig in the ground, causing the plants to suffer. These cichlids love to tinker at their will.
When arranging an aquarium, it is necessary to provide these fishes with as many shelters as possible. They love to hide. It is desirable that the water temperature with their content was in the range of 23-28 degrees.
Compatibility
Lionhead cichlids can live in the same aquarium with different species. But it is important that there is no territorial disagreement between them. It’s better if the neighbors of these cichlids are fishwhich inhabit the upper or middle layer. Neighbors should not be too small. Other cichlid fish will be a good option. Those that are small in size will do. This may be meeka or black-striped. But, the more fish you settle, the greater should be the volume.
Sex differences
This is one of those types of fish, where the floor is easy to determine. Females are smaller. If the fish on the head has a characteristic bump, then it is 100% male.
Breeding
Lionhead cichlids choose a pair for themselves, which remains very faithful. Most often, these fish do not change partners throughout their lives. If one of them dies, then the second is unlikely to create a new pair. When the fish reaches a length of 6-7 cm - it stands on the path of puberty. In order for the fish to choose a pair for themselves, you need to buy from 8 to 10 fry so that they grow up together.
The process of spawning is difficult to observe, as the fish hide in various shelters. Under a stone or another element of decor in an aquarium, a couple makes a hole for itself. Eggs at a time are postponed 20-60. 7 days after that, the larva appears.After another week, the fry will be able to swim independently. Parents of fry take care of them for a long time. Care lasts as long as the next spawning period.
They protect their fry from the encroachment of strangers, and even pound the food if it is too large for the young.
Fry content
When the fry have grown and become independent, it is necessary to carefully observe the male. He may become aggressive towards the female because he feels the desire to spawn again. If you notice this behavior of the male, you need to temporarily set him out.
Feed the fry can be a special feed. They are quite unpretentious in this regard, so they can easily eat nauplii, Artemias, etc. You can give them granules and flakes. It is important to ensure that the feed settles to the bottom of the aquarium. Under proper conditions of detention, as well as ensuring good nutrition, the fry will grow quickly.
Video: Lionhead Cichlid (Steatocranus casuarius)
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