Frontosa Cichlid, lat. Cyphotilapia frontosa- Cyphotilapia frontosa distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Cyphotilapia;
Species and synonyms: Frontosa Cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa, Humphead Cichlid, Frontosa Cichlid, Ndubu, Ikisamitwe).
GBIF:
Frontosa Cichlid (lat. Cyphotilapia frontosa) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Cyphotilapia. An endemic of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, one of the largest and most recognizable cichlids of the lake.
Distribution. Cyphotilapia frontosa is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it is found throughout the lake at depths from 10 to 50 meters. Prefers areas with sandy bottoms and rocky formations where it can hide in crevices and caves. Various color variations are confined to specific coastal areas.
Care requirements. Frontosa is a large cichlid that grows up to 30–35 cm in the aquarium and up to 40 cm in the wild. To keep a group (minimum 5–6 specimens), an aquarium of at least 500 liters with a length of 150 cm is recommended. It is important to keep them in groups, as they live in hierarchical schools. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–27°C, hardness 8–25 dGH, pH 7.8–9.0. Powerful filtration, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Large stones forming shelters and caves, and sandy or fine gravel substrate are placed at the bottom.
Frontosas are predatory fish, feeding on small fish and invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality pellets for large cichlids, live and frozen foods (large bloodworms, shrimp, mussels, fish). It is important to avoid overfeeding and provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, frontosas are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are peaceful towards other large fish, but may show aggression towards conspecifics during spawning. It is recommended to keep them with other large Tanganyikan cichlids (e.g., Tropheus, Julidochromis) or with large catfish. It is not recommended to keep them with small fish that may be perceived as food.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Frontosas are maternal mouthbrooders: the female carries eggs and fry in her mouth for 3–4 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at 3–4 years. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2°C are recommended. The male attracts the female to a chosen site, after spawning the female takes the eggs into her mouth and incubates them. Fry are fed Artemia nauplii, small bloodworms and grow rather slowly.
Cyphotilapia frontosa is known for several color variations, the most popular of which are: "Zaire Blue" (blue), "Kigoma" (with a golden hue), "Mpimbwe" (blue with black stripes), "Burundi" (classic). All forms have a characteristic hump on the forehead, which is more pronounced in males. Life expectancy is 15–25 years.