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The Buffalo Head Cichlid is also known as the Lionhead or Blockhead Cichlid, and originates within the Congo River basin, Africa. They inhabit the swift waters of the Congo River and have developed a very "jerky" style of swimming which is similar to a goby. The Buffalo Head is a peaceful cichlid that will attain a maximum size of about 4 inches. They are camouflaged in black, blue, gray and tan colors and the male of this species will attain a large hump on the head with age.
The ideal setup for the Buffalo Head Cichlid is an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with plenty of rocks for territories and a medium-sized gravel planted with hardy plants. They will thrive in a wide range of pH, with a neutral pH of 7.0 being ideal. The Buffalo Head Cichlids are generally a passive fish if given plenty of space for territories and for breeding.
It is best when trying to breed the Buffalo Head Cichlid to incorporate 3 or 4 individuals into an aquarium with plenty of rocks and water current. In time, a pair will form and they will seclude and become aggressive towards the others of the group. Unless the aquarium is very large, it is best to remove the other Buffalo Heads from the aquarium. When the pair reaches sexual maturity of 2 to 3 inches, they will dig a den underneath a rock where they will spawn. After about 1 week, the fry will hatch and will be free-swimming within a few days after that. Feed the fry crushed flake food and baby brine shrimp. The Buffalo Head Cichlids are very excellent parents that will watch after the fry until their next brood. These Cichlid pairs bond for life and it is unusual for one of the two to form another pair in the event of a loss.
Feed the Buffalo Head Cichlid a variety of both meaty and vegetable-based foods. Frozen brine and mysis shrimp as well as a quality flake and tablet food containing vegetable matter should be the staple of their diet.
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