|
|
Photo of: Frontosa (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
|
|
Scientific Name(s): Cyphotilapia frontosa
Common Name(s): Frontosa, Hump Head, Hump Head Cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Tanganyika
Maximum Size: 16 inches
Life Span: 15 years
Natural Habitat: African Lake Tanganyika
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Tank Region: Bottom to middle of tank
Possible Tank Mates: Other frontosa
Description: The Frontosa's body has six black stripes on a white background. The extremities will stay white or light blue in color. Both the male and the female will develop the cranial hump on the forehead but the male hump will be larger and more pronounced. The fish in the picture above is a juvenile because it has no cranial hump.
They are a gently tolerant community fish and don't look for trouble, but they will defend a territory once they have established one. Even though they are quite peaceful beware of keeping smaller fish in your aquarium. The Frontosa will stealthily snatch up a small fishy snack if it is available!
These are deep water fish rather than cave dwellers. They are best kept in groups of 8 to 12 in a very large aquarium with plenty of room to swim. A 150 gallon aquarium is recommended with a sandy bottom and rock structures creating fissures to hide in. Though plants are not essential, they do not burrow and will not harm them.
Temperature Range 74°F - 79°F
|
| 60°F |
65°F |
70°F |
75°F |
80°F |
85°F |
90°F |
| pH 5.0 |
pH 6.0 |
pH 7.0 |
pH 8.0 |
pH 9.0 |
| 
African Catfish
