| Notes: Cyphotilapia Frontosa has been first described by Boulenger in 1906 (got its final name in 1920). With its size up to 15 inches, It is one of the largest Cichlids in Lake Tanganyika. It is also the only member of its genus.
In the wild, Cyphotilapia Frontosa lives in the deep waters of lake Tanganyika (between 30 and 230ft). It can be found all around the lake where several races can be observed. Berundi (6 bars), Tanzanian (7 bars) and Zaire Blue are only a few of the Cyphotilapia Frontosa's races found in this region. Some articles report as many as 10 different varieties. Because they live very deep in the wild, they are quite difficult to catch. Indeed, catching this fish involve decompression problems. At this depth, fish have to go through decompression steps in order to be caught alive. In the wild, they live in groups in the rocky environment of the lake. Males can grow up to 15 inches. Females are somewhat smaller (Click Here for a good article about Cyphotilapia Frontosa in its environment).
Frontosa Cichlids have a high white body striped with black bars (5 or 6 bars on their body and one on their head, going through their eyes). Their forehead develops a big hump with age (especially in males). Their fins are blueish.
This species is quite calm and gentle. It can be kept with strong plants as long as they are rooted properly in the substrat (digger fish). For one male and 3 to 4 females, the tank should be at least 100 gallons. This fish grow very big and a lot of space is required to keep it in proper conditions. Rocks and Flower pots forming caves and shelters are important for the male to hide into. Female will use them only when the male will invite her to breed. At least 2 or 3 females per males are recommended. Although it is an hardy fish, frequent water changes are necessary (every week). Shy eaters, they should be kept among other peaceful species. Be careful not to keep this fish with two different races of the same species as this would create hybrids and could generate unwanted deformations.
| Breeding: Breeding Cyphotilapia Frontosa is not as easy as some other Cichlid species because of the costs it incures. Buying a group of breeding Frontosa can be quite expensive and it is much cheaper to get them young, watch them grow and then try to spawn them. The breeding process itself is not that difficult. Sexual diphormism is not obvious. Females' hump is somewhat smaller than males but this should not be used as the only criteria for differentiation. Males are also usually larger. To successfully breed these fish, it is important to have a group of Frontosa Cichlids (harem spawners). 1 male for four or five females is the optimum ratio. Although some hobbyists have repoted using the 1 male for 2 female ratio in a 50 gallon tank, it is recommended to use a larger tank (at least 100 gallons). Males become active breeders when reaching 7" and females 5". The breeding cycle occurs approximately every 2 to 3 months.
The tank should be provided with rocks and flowerpots for the male to create his territorry. When ready to spawn, the female shows her attentions to the male who invites her in the place he chose for the spawning process to take place (usually a pit in the sand between rocks). No parade or foreplay are engaged. The male deposits his sperm in the chosen pit where the female releases her eggs. While the female releases her eggs, the male is responsible to defend their territorry. 50 to 100 eggs are released that hatche in 3 to 4 days. The female keep the eggs then the young fry in her mouth (mouthbreeders) and abandon them after approximately one month. The fry are then on their own. Females do not eat during the whole spawning process.
A great article by Nora H. Ferrara about spawning this species is available here
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Species: Cyphotilapia Frontosa
