Fish Profiles: Frontosa Cichlid
The Frontosa cichlid is a freshwater fish species native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It is also known by its scientific name Cyphotilapia frontosa. This fish is semi-aggressive and requires a tank size of at least 75 gallons per specimen. It grows up to 8-12 inches in size and has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
The Frontosa cichlid is a carnivore and feeds mainly on shellfish and smaller fish. There are different types of Frontosa cichlids, such as the Red Frontosa cichlid and the Blue Zaire Frontosa.
Scientific name: Cyphotilapia frontosa
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Phylum: Chordata
Average size: 22-25cm
Origin: Northern Lake Tanganyika
Temperature: 23-27°C
Ideal conditions: 8.0-9.0 pH / 20-45°H
Temperament: Relatively peaceful with larger species
Expect to pay in store: £15-25
Frontosa Cichlid are easy to keep, and will feed on a diet of cichlid pellets, frozen cichlid food and live river shrimp. Do not house with ornamental shrimp - they will eat them. An aquarium with plenty of rounded rocks and open spaces, with loose substrate, will mimic their habitat in the wild.
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Photo credit(s): Canva Pro Licence / Shutterstock
1 comment
John
I had a Frontosa for 35 years that was from Africa It grew to 15 inches and for about his last five years was one boiled egg Which he swallowed whole and I with the net to scoop up the poo High Protein diet was the trick He passed away when Hurricanes Sandy came and flooded my house I’ve raised Chiclids for over 50 years but he was the smartest fish Enjoying TV with me in my Den and belly rubs I’m raising Frontosas now but I believe my Frontsa I had shipped live from Africa had a better gene pool