Description
🐠 Frontosa Black Widow Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia frontosa (Black Widow Variant)
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Family: Cichlidae
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Origin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa (selective variant)
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Size: 12 – 14 inches (30 – 35 cm)
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Lifespan: 15+ years
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Tank Zone: Bottom to Mid
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 180 – 250 ppm
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pH: 7.8 – 9.0 (alkaline)
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Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Known as the “Black Widow” Frontosa due to its darker, shadow-like coloration.
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Retains the classic nuchal hump (forehead bump) and striped pattern.
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Very slow-moving, calm, and majestic in behavior.
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Best for large aquariums with colonies.
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Territorial but generally peaceful compared to other African cichlids.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Carnivorous
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Diet: High-quality sinking cichlid pellets, krill, shrimp, silversides, and occasional worms.
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Feeding: Once or twice daily, small controlled portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 100 gallons (larger for colonies).
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Weekly Water Change: 25–30%.
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Tank setup: Rocks, caves, sandy substrate, dim lighting preferred.
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Strong filtration with stable alkaline water conditions.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: 5 or more (they thrive in colonies).
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Tank Mates: Other large, peaceful African cichlids (like Altolamprologus, Synodontis catfish, Plecos).
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Avoid: Small fish (may be eaten), aggressive Mbuna, or overly active tank mates.
✅ Do’s
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Keep in groups for natural colony behavior.
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Provide caves and hiding places.
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Use alkaline, stable water conditions.
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Give them a calm, spacious environment.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t mix with small or aggressive fish.
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Don’t overcrowd the tank.
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Don’t keep in tanks smaller than 100 gallons.
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Don’t overfeed fatty or live feeder fish.
⭐ Quick Tips
The Black Widow Frontosa is a rare and striking color variant of the classic Frontosa.
Its dark, bold appearance makes it a centerpiece fish for large African cichlid aquariums.
Best for experienced aquarists who can provide a big, stable tank.
