Description of Cyphotilapia Frontosa

Cyphotilapia frontosa is a fish from the cichlid family native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Cyphotilapia Frontosa is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and is widespread in all areas of the lake. Unlike many cichlid species Cyphotilapia Frontosa is a pelagic fish and rarely ventures close to the shoreline. Cyphotilapia Frontosa can grow to a significant size with even captive specimens potentially growing to 35cm in length.

Cyphotilapia Frontosa has distinct markings with 5-7 black vertical bars adorning a white or blue body and trailing fins with a distinct blue hue. Cyphotilapia Frontosa is a sexually monomorphic species, although the hump is occasionally more pronounced in males.

Cyphotilapia Frontosa is popular aquarium fish and several naturally occurring colour morphs are frequently available for sale to hobbyists. To house a single frontosa you need at least a 75 gallon tank (285 L). However frontosa do not like being alone. A single frontosa needs a cave to live in; this is to ensure the frontosa feels secure. If a cave is not present to satisfy the frontosa’s need for security it will begin to attack the other fish in the tank fish. This is epically true with male frontosa. Frontosa are best kept in at least 150 gallon tanks (550 L). A 150 gallon tank can house 6-8 frontosa. Water chemistry and temperature should mirror those found naturally in Lake Tanganyika.

Frontosa

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Cyphotilapia
Species: C. frontosa