Cyphotilapia Frontosa
Cyphotilapia frontosa
Water Parameters
About
One of the most iconic and majestic cichlids. Robust body with black vertical stripes and a pronounced cranial hump in adult males.
Behavior & Temperament
Slow and majestic predator. Relatively peaceful for its size, but it devours smaller fish. A slow swimmer that feeds mainly at night. Keep in groups of 6+.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed with fish, shrimp, krill, mysis and high-protein pellets. In the wild, feeds on sleeping Cyprichromis at night.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Female carries 20–50 eggs for 35–50 days (one of the longest periods among cichlids). Slow growth, sexual maturity at 3–4 years.
Care Notes
Very large aquarium with strong filtration. Extremely slow growth. Patience required in rearing. Alkaline, hard water mandatory. Moderate lighting.
Compatibility
Keep only with large Tanganyika cichlids or in a species-specific tank. Compatible with Altolamprologus and large Neolamprologus. Will eat any small fish.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Cyphotilapia frontosa |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Category | Fish |
| Care Level | Advanced |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 35.0 cm (13.8") |
| Min Tank | 500 L (132 gal) |
| Min Group | 1+ |
| Diet | Carnivore. Feed with fish, shrimp, krill, mysis and high-protein pellets. In the wild, feeds on sleeping Cyprichromis at night. |
| Temperament | Slow and majestic predator. Relatively peaceful for its size, but it devours smaller fish. A slow swimmer that feeds mainly at night. Keep in groups of 6+. |
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