Steatocranus casuarius

Family: Cichlidae

Steatocranus casuarius — a Cichlidae from Africa. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–30 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
11.2–16.5 cm
Minimum tank
327 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Varies by species; many are territorial when breeding
Origin
Africa

Species overview

Steatocranus casuarius is a Cichlidae from Africa. In the wild it prefers lakes and slow rivers with structure; in the aquarium it stays varies by species. Plan on 11.2–16.5 cm of adult fish at 24–30 °C. In a community tank it pairs well with Similar-sized peaceful community fish.

Native biotope

Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Pairs or singles with defined territory
Diet
Omnivore to carnivore; quality prepared foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Often striking; males larger and brighter
Breeding method
Substrate or cave spawner with parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Steatocranus casuarius easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Varies by species; many are territorial when breeding; pairs or singles with defined territory.

What temperature and water chemistry does Steatocranus casuarius need?

Set the heater to 24–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–8, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.

How big does Steatocranus casuarius get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 327 litres.

What does Steatocranus casuarius eat?

Omnivore to carnivore; quality prepared foods. It forages naturally over sand with rock piles, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Steatocranus casuarius live with other fish?

Varies by species; many are territorial when breeding; pairs or singles with defined territory. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Steatocranus casuarius come from?

Comes from Africa: lakes and slow rivers with structure. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Steatocranus casuarius jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Steatocranus casuarius breed?

Substrate or cave spawner with parental care. Often striking; males larger and brighter.