Frontosa

Cyphotilapia frontosa

Frontosa is a classic Lake Tanganyika cichlid known for its deep body, bold banding, and impressive adult presence. It is a slower-growing, larger African cichlid that does best in a spacious Tanganyika-style aquarium with stable hard water and calm, compatible tank mates.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region: Lake Tanganyika.
• Natural Habitat: Deep rocky areas and rocky drop-offs.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 10-14 inches.
• Coloration: Blue-white body tones with dark vertical bars; mature males often develop a more pronounced forehead hump.
• Body Shape: Large, deep-bodied Tanganyikan cichlid with a tall profile and broad head.

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Generally calm for a large cichlid, but territorial and predatory toward small fish.
• Social Behavior: Best kept as a group or colony in a large aquarium with compatible Tanganyikan tank mates.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A 125 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for adults; larger tanks are better for groups.
• Water Parameters: 74-80°F, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water.
• Tank Setup: Provide open swimming room, sand, large rock structures, caves, and strong filtration while avoiding sharp decor.

Diet and Feeding

• Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Peacock & Hap Adult Food.
• Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
• Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• Breeding Notes: Frontosa are slower to mature. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected from adults and larger tank mates after release.

Tank Mates

• Compatible With: Other calm, appropriately sized Lake Tanganyika cichlids and larger peaceful African cichlids.
• Avoid: Small fish that may be eaten, hyper-aggressive mbuna, and fast fin-nippers that may stress them.