Frontosa
Cyphotilapia frontosa · Cichlidae
Also known as Cyphotilapia
Advanced
A tall, banded Tanganyikan with a nuchal hump; slow-growing, long-lived and stately.
In short: A frontosa needs at least 570 L (151 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 7.8–9. It is semi-aggressive, best kept in groups of 5 or more, and rated advanced to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 570 L (151 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 7.8–9
- Adult size
- 30 cm (11.8 in)
- Group size
- 5+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 570 L (151 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 7.8–9
- Hardness
- 12–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — pellets, mysis, krill; avoid fatty mammal meat.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Lake Tanganyika
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Deep rocky drop-offs
- Natural conditions
- Very hard alkaline water, deep tank, rock piles, excellent filtration.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 5 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Other Tanganyikans of similar sizeSynodontis
- Avoid
- Small fishSoft waterSmall tanks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males grow larger with a bigger hump.
- Notes
- Maternal mouthbrooder with small broods.
- Common ailments
- BloatIchNitrate stress
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