Origin
Frontosa (Cyphotilapia frontosa and C. gibberosa) inhabit the deep waters of Lake Tanganyika at 30–100 meters depth. They are filter-feeders on small fish that gather in deep schools.
Variants: Burundi (six-bar), Zaire Blue, Mpimbwe, Kavala, and Kigoma — each from a different lake region with subtle color differences. Zaire Blue is the most prized for show.
Tank Requirements
Minimum 125-gallon for a single, 180-gallon for a small colony. Adults reach 12–14 inches.
Tall tanks (24+ inches deep) are preferred. Frontosa hover in mid-water, not on the bottom.
Subdued lighting. Minimal décor — large rocks for sight breaks but otherwise open swimming.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C).
pH: 8.0–9.0.
GH: 10–20.
KH: 12–18.
Tanganyika is the most alkaline of the great lakes. Use Tanganyika buffer (Seachem) to maintain hardness.
Diet
Carnivores. Quality cichlid pellets (NLS Cichlid Formula), frozen krill, prawns, mysis shrimp.
Avoid feeder fish. Adults eat 2× per day; juveniles 3× per day.
Colony Behavior
Frontosa thrive in colonies of 1 male + 3–5 females. Solo Frontosa are stressed and slow-growing.
Hierarchy is established without significant fighting. Dominant male develops the largest hump (the famous "nuchal hump") on the head.
They are slow-growing — 1 inch per year after juvenile phase. A 6-inch fish may be 4 years old.
Breeding
Mouth-brooding. Female holds eggs and fry in her mouth for 4–6 weeks.
Fry are large at release (1+ inch) and immediately accept brine shrimp and crushed pellets.