Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Frontosa - Cyphotilapia frontosa

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 4/5
Sociability rating: 5/10
Area of tank: Bottom, middle
Aquarium water conditions: 7.5-8.5, m,h,vh
Temperature: 24 - 26C
Feeding: Young fish; flake, pellet, live or frozen foods. Adults; pellets, cockles, mussels, frozen and live foods
Minimum tank size: 150cm
Min / Max number in tank:

Fish fact file

Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Synonyms: Paratilapia frontosa, Cyphotilapia frontosus, Pelmatochromis frontosus
Other common names: Humphead Cichlid
Origin: Africa: Lake Tanganyika
Natural habitat: Rocky areas of Lake Tanganyika
Size: 30cm
Behavior: Peaceful but territorial
Breeding: Mouthbrooder
Natural water conditions: pH 8, medium hardness
Sexing: Can be difficult, males may have a more pronounced head hump

Fish code No.1119

Recently Viewed fish: Frontosa

Although territorial, the Frontosa is a relatively peaceful large cichlid and can be kept with other large, well mannered fish. The strong distinct markings make this fish a popular species, but at up to 30cm (sometimes larger), they will need a large tank of at least 150cm (five foot) The fish can be kept singly, or one male to several females. Frontosas feed on crustaceans and fish in the wild so will need a meaty diet in the aquarium. Cockles, mussels, shrimp, and frozen fish are all good foods when mixed with some dried pellet or wafer foods.
Frontosas are quite slow moving fish, so although they will mix with other lake cichlids, they will prefer to be kept in a less crowded aquarium. Providing your aquarium is suitably large, frontosas are good aquarium fish with lots of character, and will become quite tame to their owners.

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