Cyphotilapia frontosa mpimbwe

a.k.a. Paratilapia frontosa, and Pelmatochromis frontosus

Size: up to 12"+ pH:7.8 to 8.5 KH: 10 to 15o Temp:72-82oF Origin: Lake Tanganyika, E. Africa

Chemicals: Liquid Cichlid Chemistry found at Cichlid Chemistry

Food: New Life Spectrum "Cichlid Formula" found at Fish Foods

A gentle and tolerant cichlid that should have 5 to 7 females for every male. More info below

Size at shipping: about 3/4 - 2" + SHIPS GREAT! 

In the wild, Cyphotilapia Frontosa lives in the deep waters of Lake Tanganyika in deep waters of 30 and 230 feet!  They can be found all around the lake where several races can be observed, they are: 

Berundi (6 bars)

Tanzanian (7 bars)

Zaire Blue

These are only a few of the Cyphotilapia Frontosa's races found in this region.  There may be as many as 10 different varieties.  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.  These measurements are greatly reduced in your home aquarium, but think of it this way, if they are used to living in deep waters like this, they will not do well in crazy bright tanks with abundant lighting systems.  This fish will do much better in perhaps a more romantic setting, such as a bedroom aquarium, or a quiet office space that is more casually lit.  Build their habitat with lots of stones to offer hiding places and rugged plants native to their region such as Anubias that are well planted. 

This species is quite calm and gentle.  For one male and 3 to 4 females, the tank should be at least 100 gallons.  This fish grows 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 or 2 weeks generally).  These are 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.

It is much cheaper to buy these as young juveniles, watch them grow and then try to spawn them later.  Shipping larger fish is usually not advised with cichlids as the dorsal fin will usually puncture a fish bag anyway.  The breeding process itself is not that difficult with Frontosa.  Sexual distinction is not obvious.  The 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.  

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 territory.  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 territory.  50 to 100 eggs are released that hatch in 3 to 4 days.  The females 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.  If you need more info, you can always call us at the hatchery here at azgardens.com.

Current stock as of May 1 we are shipping 6 line Frontosas under 2" but more than 1"