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| Cyphotilapia frontosa (Humphead or Frontosa Cichlid) |
| Family: |
Cichlidae |
| Maximum Size: |
13.0" (33.0cm) |
| Distribution: |
Found throughout Lake Tanganyika |
| Temperature Range: |
75-79oF (24-26oC) |
| pH Range: |
8.0 to 8.5 |
| Water Hardness: |
8.0 to 12.0 dH |
 Cyphotilapia frontosa inhabits the rocky, relatively deep areas (10-70m) of Lake Tanganyika, where it hunts for the snails and mussels that constitute the majority of its diet. This fish is itself prized as a food fish by the people living around the lake. C. frontosa get BIG and so requires a lot of space; at least 90 gallons. Because C. frontosa lives in a rocky habitat, plenty of rockwork and caves should be provided. These fish, like many cichlids, are omnivorous and will take a variety of prepared and meaty foods. If trying to breed C. frontosa, place one male in a large tank (125 gallons) with six females or so. Unless the system is huge, having more than one male in the tank normally leads to violence. I have heard of people putting several males in a giant tank (400 gallons or more) with a dozen females. Such large breeding colonies are said to produce up to one hundred fry every month. The female lays large eggs, which take 30 days to develop and hatch. C. frontosa fry are quite large are not problematic to feed. Most feed them newly hatched brine shrimp or ground flake food. Very quickly, usually about two weeks, the fry grow large enough to eat frozen adultc brine shrimp. |
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