Cyphotilapia frontosa
Cyphotilapia Gibberosa Common Name Fronts
Humphead Cichlid
Origin Lake Tanganyika
Ecosystem Rift Lake
Category Cichlids
Suggested Care Medium
Temperament Peaceful/ Semi aggressive when spawning.
Diet Omnivore
Care A large tank is required for this fish. A small group will do well in a
150 gal. Caves for hiding are very important with large open spaces
for swimming. A fine gravel or sand substrate.
This fish is a predator in the wild, but will do very
well on a diet of shrimp, frozen fish and a good quality spirulina/algae
pellet which will be gobbled down with gusto.
Water Conditions P.H 8.0 to 9.5
Temp 75 to 79
Tank Region Middle to Bottom
Gender Males tend to be much larger with a predominately large nuchal hump,
larger than the female, although the female can also have the hump the
Dominate male will be much larger. The sure way to sex these guys is
to vent when they reach sexual maturity. Only do this if you know
how, as incorrect venting can cause pain and discomfort to your fish.
Size Males 12” to 15” Females 12” to 14”
Comments This graceful and large fish is best kept in large groups of no less than 5
so naturally the larger the tank the better. I have a group of 6 in a 180
gallon so the word is if you wish to keep this beautiful fish you need
lots of room. If you do have the room and a large tank you will enjoy
watching this amazing fish for hours.
Additional information has come to light since I put this profile together regarding the name used for this amazing fish.
In 2003 Dr Tetsumi Takahashi published an article stating that morphometric research has discovered significant differences between the seven stripe c, frontosa in the Kigoma section of the lake and the six stripe from the northern section of the lake.
These differences were significant enough to conclude that the only true Cyphotilapia Frontosa was the seven stripe morph. Hence the name of Cyphotilapia Gibberosa for the six stripe morph.
Anyway it has been accepted by the powers that be in the scientific community the the Gibberosa is a different species from the C.Frontosa, they will all always be FRONTS to me.
