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