Frontosa

Frontosa or front cichlid indigenous to Lake Tanganyika of east Africa makes for a great aquarium fish because of its striking appearance and bright coloration. Its genus name “cypho” means curved, while tilapia translates to fish. On the other hand, it gets its species name due to its increasingly large forehead.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Cyphotilapia frontosa
Other Names	Front cichlid, humphead cichlid
Origin	Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Least Concern (by the IUCN)
Behavioral Characteristics	Gentle, and tolerant, but territorial too
School Size	Though they live best when kept alone in a tank, a school of 2 to 3 fish would do good
Physical Traits	Heavy deep body; broad, round head; large, bulbous forehead with a cranial hump; two big-sized pectoral, long ventral fins, and round caudal fins
Growth Rate	Slow; Approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) by the time they are 1 after which the fish grow 2/3rd inches yearly until it attains its full size
Colors	Deep blue or white body with 5 to 7 black bands arranged vertically; white or light blue fins The species have several geographical variants showing alterations in color
Size (How big do they get)	Males: 15 inches (40 cm) Females: 8 – 10 inches (20 – 25 cm)
Lifespan	Approximately 15 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; Males are larger than females with a more pronounced nuchal hump
Probable Diseases	Ich, bacterial and fungal infection, and swim bladder disease
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	About $50

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Intermediate
Tank Size	70 gallons (265 liters) for a single fish

Water Parameters

pH Level	8.0 – 8.5
Temperature	78.8° to 82.4°F (26 – 28°C)
Hardness	12 – 14 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Moderate (since they are slow-moving)

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Moderate
Substrate Type	Gravel and sand alongside rocks and caves for hiding, with fewer plants too
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Certain semi-aggressive species indigenous like the blue dolphin cichlid, Placidochromis phenochilus, Altolamprologus calvus, and Altolamprologus compressiceps. Oscars can also serve as moderately good tank mates to the frontosa though they could act aggressive and boisterous Incompatible with: Small fish as the frontosa species are piscivores
Suitable Position in the Tank	Bottom

Feeding

Diet	Live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, and bloodworms, crustaceans like shrimp and mysis, feeder fish, flakes, and pellets
Frequency	2-3 times a day

Important Things to Know for Fish Keepers

• Your frontosa could turn black or lose color due to stress. Check the water levels alongside other factors and also do a partial water change if needed.
• Many owners have often mentioned seeing their frontosa swimming upside down or floating. Apart from stress, the other possible causes include bloating and swim bladder disease (that they are prone to).

FAQs