Steatocranus is a genus of small rheophilic cichlids mostly native to the Congo River Basin in DR Congo/Congo Brazzaville, although one species, S. irvinei, is restricted to the Volta River in Ghana and Burkino Faso,[1] and it belongs in a separate genus.

Two species, S. casuarius (also known as the lionhead or buffalohead cichlid) and S. tinanti are relatively common in the aquarium trade.

As for other cichlids brood care is highly developed and both sexes are involved in raising the young.

All Steatocranus species are secretive cave spawners and form monogamous pairs for breeding.

The female is more actively involved in fry raising, while the male is primarily concerned with territorial defence.