Description

Overview:
The Slender Blockhead Cichlid is a peaceful, river-dwelling African cichlid known for its elongated body, distinctive forehead hump, and subtle metallic coloration‚Äîtypically featuring hues of silver, blue, or olive. Unlike most cichlids, this species has evolved for life in fast-flowing streams, giving it a unique torpedo shape and a calm, bottom-oriented swimming style. Ideal for aquarists looking to try something different in a West or Central African river biotope.

Origin:
Native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, Steatocranus tinanti is adapted to high-flow, oxygen-rich environments with rocky bottoms and limited vegetation.

Feeding:
Omnivorous and easy to feed. Offer a mix of high-quality sinking cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods (like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia), and some vegetable matter (spirulina flakes or blanched greens) for a balanced diet.

Tank Mates:
Surprisingly peaceful for a cichlid, and well-suited to community tanks with similarly sized, calm species. Ideal companions include synodontis catfish, Congo tetras, smaller bichirs, and other non-aggressive African fish. Avoid overly aggressive or fin-nipping tank mates.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 75‚Äì80¬∞F (24‚Äì27¬∞C)
pH: 6.5‚Äì7.8
Hardness: 6‚Äì15 dGH
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a pair
Prefers strong water flow, well-oxygenated water, and rocky hiding areas

Behavior & Personality:

Bottom-dweller with a territorial but calm nature
Enjoys perching on rocks and observing surroundings
Forms monogamous pairs and may spawn in caves

Special Notes:

Great for riverine aquascapes with strong filtration and current
Not a true ‚Äúblockhead‚Äù like S. casuarius, but still has a mild nuchal hump
Will dig and rearrange substrate, especially during breeding
Relatively underrated and uncommon in the hobby

The Slender Blockhead Cichlid offers a perfect balance of unique appearance, peaceful temperament, and interesting behavior‚Äîan excellent choice for aquarists looking to explore the lesser-known world of African riverine cichlids.