Frontosa Cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
Maximum Size:
Frontosa cichlids can grow up to 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) in captivity, with males generally being larger than females.
Native Habitat:
Frontosa cichlids are native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, where they inhabit deep waters and rocky environments.
Growth Rate:
They grow slowly but can reach their full size in about 3-5 years under optimal conditions.
Life Span:
Frontosa cichlids have a long lifespan, typically living 15-25 years with proper care.
Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?):
They are carnivorous, mainly feeding on small fish and invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they thrive on a diet of high-quality pellets, frozen foods (krill, shrimp, bloodworms), and occasional live fish.
Breeding Season & Reproduction:
Frontosas are mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries the fertilized eggs in her mouth for protection. They breed best in stable water conditions with a temperature between 77-82°F (25-28°C). There isn’t a fixed breeding season, but they spawn more readily when provided with proper tank conditions and a stress-free environment.
Best Tank Mates:
Since Frontosas are relatively peaceful but large, slow-moving predators, their best tank mates include:
• Other large, non-aggressive African cichlids (e.g., featherfin cichlids)
• Synodontis catfish
• Plecos
• Bichirs
• Avoid small fish like tetras, as they may be eaten.
They do best in a species-only tank or with other Tanganyikan cichlids in a spacious setup of at least 125 gallons (473 liters).
english
