Reefscape

Frontosa

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Size - Juvenile 6-7cm

Frontosa Cichlids (Cyphotilapia Frontosa) are one of the most well-known species of cichlid. They are also known as Burundi Frontosa. Many fishkeepers are drawn to this fish due to its serene demeanor and appearance.

They have a captivating appearance, with a striped black body and a bright blue reflection on the fins. They can appear in various other coloration as well, depending on where they originate. For example, they can exhibit hues of black, blue, and yellow. In addition, when they are anxious, their color darkens. When they feel safe and content, their brilliant coloration emerges.

Frontosa Cichlids originate from Lake Tanganyika. Like many other cichlid species, they do show signs of aggression towards their tank mates. However, Frontosa Cichlid is considered relatively peaceful in comparison to many other cichlid species.

Frontosa Cichlid Care

Frotosa Cichlids are generally hardy fish, and they aren’t too difficult to take care of. However, there are a few things to to consider if you do decide to keep them.

First, they are large fish so they have needs associated with that, such as a large tank. A full grown specimen will require a lot more food than an average-sized aquarium fish as well.

Next, stable water conditions are necessary. These fish originate from Lake Tanganyika, one of the three African Great Lakes. This means that they originate from large bodies of water with extremely stable water conditions. Unlike small rivers and ponds that have constantly changing water parameters, Lake Tanganyika is estimated to be millions of years old. Understanding and monitoring the water parameters of your aquarium is very important if you wish to keep these fish. While aquarium-raised fish tend to be more resilient to fluctuations, wild-caught specimen may not survive if there is a sudden change in the water parameters.

If you intend to care for these fish properly, is important to fully understand their needs.

Frontosa Cichlid Temperature

This aquatic creature needs a constant temperature and a high concentration of oxygen dissolved in the water. The optimum temperature for maintaining frontosa fish is between 79-82°F (26-28°C).

Frontosa Cichlid Water pH

Frontosa Cichlid should be kept in water with high pH of 8.0-9.0. Keeping this fish in low pH water is not recommended. While it can handle water pH that is slightly lower than this range, anything below a pH of 6.0 should be avoided.

Frontosa Cichlid Size

The body of the Frontosa Cichlid is tall and elongated, with flat sides. The male Frontosa Burundi Cichlid may grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length in a tank, whereas the female is only around 10 inches (25 cm) long. At a max size of approximately 12 inches, these fish are large fish. In local fish stores, they are sold in sizes ranges from approximately 2-3 inches.

How fast do Frontosa Cichlids grow?

Frontosa is a slow-growing species that can take up to three years to achieve sexual maturity. They tend to develop quickly in the first year, reaching a height of 4 to 5 inches, and then slow down to an inch or two inches in subsequent years.

Frontosa Cichlid Tank Size

 

The Frontosa Cichlid is a big, slow-moving fish that swims around all of the tanks and requires a very large aquarium. The minimum tank size for a Frontosa Cichlid should not be less than 75 gallons. Anything lower than this is unsuitable for the environment since it will be too narrow. As they develop, it’s a good idea to expand the tank’s size so they have adequate room.

Frontosa Cichlid Food & Diet

This fish lives in the tank’s base, and most Frontosa will only consume food that sinks. They’re carnivores, therefore they need a high-protein diet. However, they may be given pellets and flakes as well, so keep that in mind while selecting the finest Cichlid food.

Additional meal alternatives include:

  • Fish, such as tilapia, can be eaten fresh or frozen. Fish that has been treated should be avoided.
  • Bloodworms
  • Brine shrimp
  • Krill
  • Mosquito larvae

Frontosa Cichlid Lifespan

A Frontosa Cichlid’s typical lifetime is 15 years. However, in the appropriate aquarium with enough room to develop, wonderful water, and well-balanced food, some gorgeous specimens would survive up to 20 years.


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