Cyphotilapia frontosa, commonly known as the Frontosa Cichlid, is a majestic and large fish from Lake Tanganyika, noted for its distinctive hump and peaceful demeanor.
Overview
Cyphotilapia frontosa, commonly known as the Frontosa Cichlid, is a large and striking fish native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. This species is renowned for its impressive size, distinctive nuchal hump (a fleshy protrusion on the forehead), and peaceful nature. Frontosa Cichlids are admired for their majestic appearance and can make a dramatic addition to a large aquarium.
Tank Requirements
Frontosa Cichlids require a spacious aquarium due to their large size, with a minimum volume of 300 liters recommended. They thrive in a temperature range of 24-28°C and a pH level between 7.5 and 9.0. The tank should have a substrate of sand or fine gravel and include plenty of rocks and caves to create hiding spots and territories. Robust filtration is essential to maintain water quality, and regular water changes of 20-30% weekly are necessary.
Feeding and Diet
Cyphotilapia frontosa is an omnivorous species with a diet that should include high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as fish, shrimp, and worms. In the wild, they feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. Providing a varied diet will help maintain their health and enhance their natural coloration. Feed them 2-3 times a day, ensuring that portions are appropriate to avoid overfeeding.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for Frontosa Cichlids involves maintaining stable water conditions and providing a balanced diet. Perform regular water changes and monitor the fish for common health issues such as ich or fin rot. Their peaceful demeanor makes them suitable for community tanks with other large, non-aggressive species. Due to their territorial nature, providing ample hiding spots and space is crucial to reduce stress and prevent conflicts.
Compatibility
Cyphotilapia frontosa is generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding. They are best kept with other large, robust fish that can tolerate their size and temperament. Suitable tank mates include other cichlids from Lake Tanganyika and larger species that are not overly aggressive. Avoid housing them with small or overly aggressive fish to prevent stress and potential conflicts.
Breeding
Breeding Cyphotilapia frontosa in captivity is possible with the right setup. They are mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for protection. To encourage breeding, maintain a temperature around 26-28°C and provide a well-structured tank with ample hiding spots and territories. After spawning, the female will incubate the eggs and fry in her mouth for about 3-4 weeks. Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed finely crushed pellets or specialized fry food. Proper care and monitoring are essential for successful breeding and healthy fry.