Frontosa African Cichlid
Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia frontosa
Maximum Size: 15 inches
Life expectancy: 15 years
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82 °F
pH Range: 7.8 - 8.5
Water hardness: dH 10 - 15
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Origin: Lake Tanganyika
Aquarium Setup:
Because of their large size Frontosa’s need at least a 70 - 100 gallon tank. Tank length is more important than the height, as it will give them more swimming space.
Substrate can be either fine gravel or sand and several caves should be added for hiding places. Never use rocks with sharp edges, when scared Frontosa’s will dart through the water and they will injure themselves on sharp edges.
Any rock formations or tank decorations should also be well anchored. Frontosa’s are strong due to their size and can knock rocks over, hurt themselves and maybe even crack your aquarium!
Frontosa Cichlid’s don’t like a lot of movement in the water, so it is important to diffuse the water from filters or pumps. Water movement can also reduce the amount and quality of the males sperm!
Diet:
In their natural habitat the Frontosa’s diet consists mainly of small fish, so they will love the occasional meal of feeder fish. They can also be fed worms, krill, shrimp and mysis and food can be either live or frozen.
Food pellets are another good addition to the Frontosa’s menu. Flakes are fine for Frontosa’s under 5 inches, but most larger ones won’t eat them.
Tank Mates/Community:
Other Lake Tanganyika Cichlids that are about the same size will be compatible with the Frontosa. Clown Loaches and large Plecos will also work well.
Behavior:
Frontosa’s are very lethargic fish and will only become active when scared! They are semi-nocturnal and very little light is needed for them to wake up.
They are very outgoing fish that will soon be eating out of your hand! They like to swim in groups, it is recommended to have at least four in the tank community.
Color:
Frontosa Cichlids have either white or blue bodies and are marked with 6 or 7 black bands that run vertical. They are one of the most beautiful Cichlids available.
Breeding:
Frontosa’s are very slow growing and it will take three to four years before they reach sexual maturity. When ready to breed the male will usually have a bluer color and the female egg tubes will start to protrude.
The best ratio for breeding is four females for each male. The male will select a spot to release his sperm, the female will then glide over the same spot releasing the eggs. Once she has released all of her eggs, she will gather them in her mouth.
These mouth brooders will hold the eggs for around 5 weeks. During this time she probably won’t eat anything or eat very little, don’t worry this is normal.
The incubation period is 4 - 5 days and any unfertilized eggs will just dissolve. You can expect anywhere from 20 to 80 fry in each brood. The female will continue to take the fry into her mouth if they are in danger.
Once she no longer protects them, they should be moved to a separate growing tank. Adult Frontosa’s will consider the small fry “feeders” and eat them!
Interesting Notes:
Once they’ve matured Frontosa Cichlids develop a pronounced hump on top of their heads. Although, color varies little from the male and female, sex can sometimes be identified by the larger hump!
