Species profile
Burundi Frontosa
Cyphotilapia frontosa
Semi aggressive
Hard care
900 L minimum aquarium
25–33 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Common locale of Frontosa. Needs big rockwork, stable hard water, and slow companions.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
8–9
GH
8–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
5
Burundi is a geographic/trade variety of Cyphotilapia frontosa, not a separate species. Keep in a proper group with large caves, subdued lighting and enough footprint for adult social hierarchy.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
900 L
Minimum footprint
240 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Cyphotilapia frontosa
Alternative names
Burundi Frontosa, Cyphotilapia frontosa 'Burundi', Frontosa
Native range
Lake Tanganyika; 'Burundi' denotes the northern Burundi-area geographic aquarium variety of Cyphotilapia frontosa.
Natural habitat
Deep-water rocky habitat. Use subdued lighting, open cruising space and multiple large caves; keep dissolved waste very low and oxygen high.
Diet & feeding
Prefers meaty foods but benefits from a balanced diet. Use slow-sinking quality cichlid pellets with varied frozen aquatic foods and some vegetable matter.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males tend to grow larger and develop a more pronounced nuchal hump, but visual sexing is imperfect until mature.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Sexual maturity can take several years; females pick up and incubate eggs after spawning in a weakly defended site.