Water parameters
Overview
Steatocranus tinanti is the slimmer, more elongated relative of the buffalohead cichlid. Its body, ranging from pale beige to light brown, carries faint dark markings; its large eyes and long, low dorsal fin are typical. Males reach around 12 cm. Because it lives in the fast-flowing parts of the Lower Congo, it stays on the bottom instead of hovering in midwater and moves in short hops. It forms pairs that spawn in caves and guard their fry together.
Tank Setup
- 100 liters for a pair; a large floor area.
- Rock caves, crevices and flat stones.
- Strong flow and high oxygen.
- pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water; a 25–30% water change every week.
Diet
Omnivorous. Sinking granules and tablets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis are suitable.
Behavior and Compatibility
Territorial toward its own species and similar bottom-dwelling fish; it generally causes no trouble for fish in the middle and upper water.
Good companions: Large characins such as Congo tetras, barbs, robust midwater fish.
Avoid: Other cichlids that claim territories on the bottom, small bottom fish, shrimp.
A short profile for this species
The Steatocranus tinanti page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Emerald Betta
Firemouth Cichlid
Cupid Cichlid
Buffalohead Cichlid
Chocolate Cichlid
Festivum
Geophagus surinamensis
Rainbow Cichlid
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026