Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Frontosa Cichlid

Cyphotilapia frontosa (Boulenger, 1906)

Also called Frontosa, Humphead Cichlid, Front Cichlid, Tanganyika Humphead

A calm, gregarious fish that moves deliberately.

Size	Large
Length	25.5 to 33 cm (10 to 13 in)1 2 3
Lifespan	25 years3
Coat	Deep-bodied large cichlid with nuchal hump
Origin	Endemic to the northern half of Lake Tanganyika (DR Congo, Burundi, Tanzania), living around rocky slopes, usually in deeper water.2 1 3
Last checked	2026-09-30

SpeciesShort profile

Majestic size and calm, slow presence

Very long-lived

Lives peacefully in groups

1 3

Personality what they are like

A calm, gregarious fish that moves deliberately. It is a predator, so very small tank mates may be eaten, but it gets along with suitably sized Tanganyikan companions.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Frontosa Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Feedingevery day
Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseevery 2 weeks

Looks how to spot one

Deep-bodied large cichlid with nuchal hump

A big, stately cichlid with a white or bluish body crossed by bold dark bars and long, blue-tinged fins. Adults grow a rounded hump on the forehead, most noticeable in mature males.3 1

Colourswhite to bluish body with 5 to 7 black vertical barsblue-tinted finslocality forms (e.g. 7-bar Kigoma)bred strains such as 'red'/'copperband' and 'black widow'1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Not hyperactive; needs plenty of open swimming space as well as sheltered caves and dark refuges.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs stable, hard and alkaline water kept very clean.1

Home where they are happiest

Very large tank: at least 240 x 60 x 60 cm (about 860 litres), with rock caves and open sand. Temperature roughly 23 to 27 C (some sources up to 30 C), pH 8.0 to 9.0, hardness 8 to 25 dGH.1 2 3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Wild fish eat small fish, snails, mussels and other invertebrates. In the aquarium give good prepared foods plus frozen items such as Artemia, mosquito larvae and shrimp; skip mammal meat and live feeder fish.2 1

Company who they like around

Keep in groups of about 5 to 10 or more; one male usually spawns with several females.1 2

The story where it all began

Described by Boulenger in 1906, the frontosa was the only member of its genus until a southern relative, C. gibberosa, was split off in 2003. Different wild populations are traded under their locality names to keep the lines distinct.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The name 'frontosa' refers to a big forehead, a nod to the fish's hump.1
2
It can live for more than 25 years.3
3
Frontosas often rise to shallower water at dawn to hunt schools of small Cyprichromis cichlids.3
4
Females brood eggs in their mouths for about 35 to 50 days or more.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (as listed on FishBase, March 2025)2
Taxonomy: Described by Boulenger in 1906; genus was monotypic until C. gibberosa was described in 20031

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Frontosa Cichlid?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is to feed your Frontosa Cichlid once daily. Offer only what it can eat in a few minutes to keep the water clean. Pet Wiki plan

What does a Frontosa Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

Feed good prepared foods plus frozen items like Artemia, mosquito larvae and shrimp. Never give mammal meat or live feeder fish, as these can harm your fish.1 2

How much space does a Frontosa Cichlid need?

This large, stately fish needs a very big tank: at least 240 x 60 x 60 cm (about 860 litres). Provide open swimming space, rock caves and a sandy bottom.1 2 3

What temperature, light or water does a Frontosa Cichlid need?

Keep water temperature between 23 and 27°C (some sources say up to 30°C), pH 8.0 to 9.0, and hardness 8 to 25 dGH. Stable, hard and alkaline water is essential.1 2 3

How often should I clean a Frontosa Cichlid's home?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is to change about 30 to 50% of the water every week, test the water weekly, and rinse the filter every two weeks. Keep the water very clean. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Frontosa Cichlid live with others?

Yes, it is a calm, gregarious fish that gets along with suitably sized Tanganyikan companions. Keep in groups of 5 to 10 or more, but very small tank mates may be eaten.1 2

How long does a Frontosa Cichlid live?

With proper care, a Frontosa Cichlid can live up to 25 years. This is a long-term commitment.3

Can I handle a Frontosa Cichlid?

Handling is not recommended for this fish. It is best to admire it in the tank and avoid stress or injury.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Calvus Cichlid

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Seriously Fish: Cyphotilapia frontosa seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank size, behaviour, colours, history, etymology
FishBase: Cyphotilapia frontosa fishbase.seused for size, water, diet, IUCN, describer
Wikipedia: Cyphotilapia frontosa en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, depth, hunting, appearance

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.