Lophiobagrus cyclurus

African Bullhead

Classification

Claroteidae

Distribution

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.

Habitat

It hides among rocks during daytime hours, emerging to forage under cover of darkness.

Maximum Standard Length

4″ (10cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

30″ x 12″ x 12″ (75cm x 12cm x 12cm) – 70 litres bare minimum, although larger is recommended (see below).

Maintenance

Should be housed in a Lake Tanganyika biotope setup, with piles of rocks arranged to form caves in which it can seek refuge. Provide areas of open water for swimming. Dim lighting will encourage it to be seen more often.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 73-79°F (23-26°C)

pH: 7.5-9.0

Hardness: 15-30°H

Diet

Omnivorous and unfussy. Frozen, live and dried foods are all accepted.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Although very small fish will be eaten, it will live happily in most communities of Tanganyikan catfish and cichlids. It can also be kept in small species groups without problems.

Sexual Dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Rarely bred in aquaria but it has been achieved. Apparently, the breeding pair lay their eggs in a rocky cave, and the eggs hatch in around 4-5 days. No extended parental care has been recorded, so if you do get a spawn, it may be wise to remove the parents/fry to a separate tank.

NotesTop ↑

An interesting addition to the Tanganyikan community that is not often seen in the hobby. There is a rumour that this cat can secrete a poisonous mucous when stressed that can kill other fish in the aquarium but this has not yet been 100% confirmed. It may be wise to keep it in as large an aquarium as possible just in case. There are currently just 4 species of Lophiobagrus described. All are from Lake Tanganyika.