Frontosa Cichlid

General information

These fish are characterized by a large frontal hump that is developed when they reach sexual maturity. They are greyish blue, grey or black, have 6 to 7 vertical black stripes of different width  along the body  and can reach 14 inches. To keep these fish in captivity, the water pH should be between 8.0 and 9.0 and temperatures should be from 76ºF to 80.6ºF. The tank should have a sandy substrate, rocks, open space and caves. These fish can be kept in community aquariums, however, it is best to keep them with fish of the same size since they may eat smaller fish. They should be kept in groups of 5 or more.

This species is omnivorous. In the wild, they feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. In an aquarium, they can be fed with shrimp, krill, worms and dried foods with a significant proportion of vegetable matter.

Males are usually larger and have a bigger hump.

This species only reaches sexual maturity at the age of 3 and can only start reproducing by then. The female lays her eggs on the substrate, picks them up with her mouth and follows the male until he releases his sperm, fertilizing the eggs. The female releases the fry after 40 days and they can be fed with brine shrimp. To breed these fish in captivity, there should 3 to 4 females per male and there should be no water movement.

This species originates in the deep waters of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. It inhabits sandy coasts along the lake.

These fish are very vulnerable to poor water quality.