Frontosa
Cyphotilapia frontosa
What you need to keep a Frontosa
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pH
8–9
Temperature
24–27 °C
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Frontosa.
What Frontosa costs in South Africa
7 price points from 3 shops over 90 days
R150
cheapest of 2 shops today
SA median R317 across 3 shops over the last 90 days.
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Frontosa is a large, majestic cichlid from Lake Tanganyika known for the prominent nuchal hump that develops on the foreheads of mature males. They are slow-moving, deep-water predators with a calm but commanding presence. A large, dimly lit tank with plenty of rock caves is needed for these impressive fish.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Frontosa healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Frontosa's adult size and activity level. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 8–9 and 24–27°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Semi-aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Frontosa last so territories reset.
Breeding
Breeding success with Frontosa depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Keeping African cichlids?
Rift Lake cichlids want hard, alkaline water — most SA tap water is softer than that.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
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From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R250–450 · Average: R359
This data is unique to FishHub
Demand by province
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