Frontosa
Cyphotilapia gibberosa
A deep-water Lake Tanganyika cichlid with a signature forehead hump and unusual social grace.
About
Known in the hobby simply as 'frontosa' or 'front', Cyphotilapia gibberosa is one of two species in its genus and was only formally described in 2003, having spent nearly a century lumped together with its close relative C. frontosa. It hails from the southern half of Lake Tanganyika, where it naturally cruises in large schools at depths of 30 meters or more. The most recognizable feature of the genus is the prominent nuchal hump on the forehead, paired with broad vertical body bands. Though the banding tends to fade in larger males. In the aquarium, this cichlid behaves quite differently from the typical territorial cichlid you might expect. Males don't carve out and defend patches of ground; instead, the group establishes a dominance hierarchy, which makes group-keeping not just possible but necessary. A minimum of five individuals is recommended, and ten or more is genuinely better. Be aware that it can prey on much smaller tankmates, so choose companions carefully. Breeding is a fascinating process. Females are maternal mouthbrooders that hold eggs and fry for an unusually long period, up to 50 days or more, and even feed the fry inside the buccal cavity. Patience is key, since sexual maturity takes several years to reach.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Frontosa
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Frontosa get?
- The Frontosa reaches about 5–10" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Frontosa need?
- A minimum of 29 gallons is recommended for the Frontosa.
- What water parameters does the Frontosa need?
- The Frontosa does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 7.5–9, hardness around 9–25 dGH.
- Is the Frontosa aggressive?
- The Frontosa is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Frontosa eat?
- The Frontosa is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Frontosa live?
- With good care, the Frontosa typically lives 5-8 years.