Species profile
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.
Very large, long-lived Tanganyikan cichlid that should be planned as a group fish from the start. Adult groups need genuinely huge aquaria, powerful filtration and stable hard alkaline water.
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
Gregarious and usually not hyper-aggressive, but a social hierarchy is important. Keep at least five, preferably more, and do not combine with small fish that can be swallowed or with highly belligerent tankmates.
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
Frontosa Cichlid, Humphead Cichlid
Native range
Northern half of Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
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.