Frontosa are wildly popular African cichlids which are highly sought on the internet. Cyphotilapia frontosa are endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa which is also home to hundreds of other beautiful species of cichlids. C. frontosa is widespread in the northern half of Lake Tanganyika while its relative Cyphotilapia gibberosa is known to inhabit the southern half of the lake. These species are found at greater depths than most other cichlids and rarely venture close to the shoreline. Males can reach some 35 cm in length sporting a handsome nuchal hump which gives them such character. Frontosa are said to live for some 25 years.

 

C. frontosa has distinct markings with 5-7 black vertical bars adorning a white or blue body and head and trailing fins with a distinct blue hue and develops a nuchal hump that is more pronounced in older specimens. Frontosa are best kept in at least 150 gallon tanks (550 L) and should be kept in a group or harem. The average amount of specimens kept together should be 6-8 Frontosa. C. frontosa is an opportunistic feeder in the wild and its diet in aquaria should consist of good quality prepared foods, frozen foods like krill and earthworms occasionally. Earthworms are known to help prepare females for spawning but should be feed as treat and not overfed. Also to avoid fry loss, many Frontosa breeders strip the females of their eggs and artificially hatch them using Frontosa Egg Tumblers.

 

 

 

 

 

All Cyphotilapia species (Frontosa & Gibberosa) and variants