Description

🐠 Frontosa Cichlid

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia frontosa

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

• 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

• Large body with a distinctive hump on the head (nuchal hump).

• Striking vertical black-and-white stripes.

• Calm, slow-moving, and regal in behavior.

• Can grow very large, requiring big aquariums.

• Best kept in groups (they are colony fish).

🍽️ Food

• Type: Carnivorous

• Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, frozen shrimp, krill, silversides, and occasional earthworms.

• Feeding: Once or twice daily, avoid overfeeding (slow digestion).

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 100 gallons for a group.

• Weekly Water Change: 25–30%.

• Provide rocks, caves, and hiding spots for security.

• Use strong filtration for clean, stable water.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: 5–6 (for natural colony behavior).

• Tank Mates: Large peaceful African cichlids, Synodontis catfish, Plecos, other Frontosas.

• Avoid: Small fish (can be eaten), aggressive Mbuna, or hyperactive species.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in a large, deep tank with caves.

• Maintain stable alkaline water conditions.

• Keep them in groups (they are social).

• Provide a dim environment (they dislike very bright light).

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep with small tank mates.

• Don’t house with aggressive Mbuna.

• Don’t overfeed fatty foods or live feeders.

• Don’t keep in small or overcrowded tanks.

⭐ Quick Tips
Frontosa Cichlids are among the most majestic African cichlids.
Their striped beauty and calm swimming style make them perfect for large, peaceful setups.
They are best suited for experienced aquarists due to their size and care needs.