Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Frontosa's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
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Freshwater Fish
Cichlids
Uncommon
Cyphotilapia frontosa
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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
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Frontosa healthy in a South African setup.
Size the aquarium to Frontosa's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 8–9 and 24–27°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Frontosa is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Frontosa is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Frontosa vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
SA price range this month: R250–450 · Average: R363
This data is unique to FishHub
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Species that typically work alongside Frontosa in a similar setup.
Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
Venustus Cichlid
Nimbochromis venustus
Electric Yellow Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus
Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Parrot Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus x Paraneetroplus synspilus
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus