Buffalo Cichlid

[edit] Overview

With a distinctively humped brow on mature males and a herky-jerky swimming motion, this is a relatively peaceful African species that has many fans among cichlid fanciers.

Like marine hawkfishes and gobies, the Buffalo Cichlid tends to move in darting motions and will often be seen resting on the substrate. (It's reduced swim bladder doesn't allow extending free swimming in the water column.)

They are undemanding and can thrive in a range of water conditions. Well-filtered water with some active current will help replicate their natural habitats.

Pairs will breed readily if properly conditioned and provide excellent parental care of their broods, even in community tank conditions.

[edit] Feeding

Omnivore. Easy to feed, but occasional meals of frozen or live worms will help encourage growth and breeding.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

Good community fish especially with other African cichlids.

[edit] Breeding/Propagation

Sexual maturity starts at a length of about 8 cm (2 inches), when pair formation starts with breeding events almost certain to follow if the fish are properly fed and housed. Conditioning foods include live and frozen bloodworms and high-quality omnivore rations.

[edit] Notes

While males grow to about 15 cm (6 inches), females are smaller, at 10 cm (4 inches).

Category: Species