Size
C. frontosa can grow to a maximum length of 13 inches.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Its body and head can be either white or blue, with black horizontal bands along the sides and blue rays on its tail. In addition to a nuchal hump, this species also has a strong sagittal crest that is more noticeable in adults. Male C. Frontosa usually have a more noticeable hump, despite the fact that they appear to be comparable to females. These fish live for 25 years.
Habitat
Frontosa fish thrive best in water that is between 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. With a dGH of 12 to 14, lake water is both caustic and acidic. (pH: 8.0-8.5).
Pet Requirements in Captivity
- Tank Conditions
For a frontosa cichlid, the following circumstances are ideal:
- Water Kind: Size of neutral, sluggish freshwater
- Minimums for one juvenile, one adult, and a group of three or more adult fish are 50 gallons, 75 gallons, and at least 125 gallons, respectively.
- 72-82°F water temperature
- Tank setup: Caves and rocks
- Substrate: Aragonite sand or crushed coral
- Acidity: 8.0–9.0 pH
- Water hardness: 12–14 dGH
- Filter: Yes, to keep the water clean
- Lighting: Dim aquarium lighting on a timer
- Water heater: Yes, to keep the water warm
The water in the frontosa cichlid’s natural habitat is steady, and the fish are not used to variations in temperature, pH, or alkalinity. Before adding the fish to the aquarium, make sure the water is stable and clean.
- Tank Mates
Fish from Lake Tanganyika that are huge, tough, and self-assured and can withstand the same abrasive, alkaline waters as frontosa cichlids provide the greatest tank mates for these fish. Fish with differing water requirements, insects, or fish that move quickly enough to fit in a frontosa’s mouth shouldn’t be kept alongside frontosa cichlids.
Frontosa cichlids make excellent tank companions for:
A different frontosa cichlid (the fish are calm and active in schools of 8–12)
- Plecos
- Bichirs
- Cuckoo catfish
- Rainbowfish
- Feeding
Frontosa cichlids are predatory ambush carnivores that feed on herring or sardine cichlids in the wild. At dawn and dusk, the fish drift beneath their target, snatching it up without wasting any energy. In captivity, the majority of frontosa cichlids are similarly sluggish eaters who will only consume food that sinks and lands close to their mouths. Krill, prawns, mysis shrimp, earthworms, mussels, and small fish that settle slowly to the bottom of the tank are the finest feeds for this species. Add sinking cichlid-specific pellets and the occasional piece of blanched spinach or kale to the fish’s diet.
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