About Frontosa Cichlid

The Frontosa Cichlid is the gentle giant of Lake Tanganyika, featuring a distinctive hump on the forehead that develops with age and stunning blue-black stripes on a white body. These slow-growing, peaceful cichlids can live 15-25 years and reach over a foot in length. Unlike the aggressive mbuna of Lake Malawi, Frontosas are relatively peaceful and should be kept in groups. They are carnivores that need high-quality protein foods and pristine water conditions. Due to their size, long lifespan, and specific water requirements, they are a serious commitment for dedicated aquarists.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Frontosas need massive tanks with specific water parameters.

Essential Setup:

  • 125 gallons minimum for juveniles
  • 200+ gallons for adults
  • Rock piles and caves
  • Aragonite sand or crushed coral: pH buffering
  • Strong filtration
  • Temperature 74-79°F
  • pH 8.0-9.0

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 74-79°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.0-9.0 (must be alkaline)
  • Water Hardness: Hard (15-25 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Critical: Need hard, alkaline water like Lake Tanganyika.

Feeding

Carnivores requiring quality protein:

  • High-quality carnivore pellets
  • Frozen foods: Mysis shrimp, krill
  • Live foods: Occasional
  • Feed substantial amounts

The Nuchal Hump

Distinctive feature:

  • Develops with age: Males get larger humps
  • Dominance display: Size indicates status
  • More prominent: In dominant males
  • Takes years: To fully develop

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful but large:

  • Schooling: Keep 6-8 minimum
  • Peaceful: For cichlids
  • Slow growers: Take years to mature
  • Long-lived: 15-25 years commitment

Good Tank Mates:

  • Other Lake Tanganyika cichlids
  • Cyprichromis (sardine cichlids)
  • Altolamprologus (calvus/compressiceps)
  • Julidochromis

Avoid:

  • Mbuna (wrong water parameters)
  • Small fish (will be eaten)
  • Very aggressive fish

Size and Commitment

  • Adult size: 10-14 inches
  • Growth rate: Very slow
  • Lifespan: 15-25 years
  • Tank requirement: 200+ gallons for life

Breeding

Mouthbrooders:

  • Female carries: Eggs and fry
  • Harem: 1 male to multiple females
  • Long process: Due to slow growth
  • Fry care: Long parental protection

Special Considerations

  • Long-term commitment: 15-25 years
  • Large tanks required: 200+ gallons
  • Expensive: $50-150+ per fish
  • Specific water: Hard, alkaline
  • Slow growing: Patience required

Tips for Success

  • Plan for 200+ gallon adult tank
  • Keep in groups of 6-8
  • Hard, alkaline water essential
  • Quality carnivore diet
  • Long-term commitment (15-25 years)
  • Very expensive investment

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Other Lake Tanganyika Cichlids
🐠 Cyps
🐠 Calvus
🐠 Julies