CheckMyFishTankFrontosa care
Cyphotilapia frontosa · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A large, slow, majestic Lake Tanganyika cichlid with a big hump.
Feeding
Once a day. A modest portion of pellets they finish in about 3 minutes. Pellets, frozen krill, mysis, small amounts of fish.
Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Frontosa in a 360 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Neon Tetra: Frontosa grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
- Cardinal Tetra: Frontosa grows big enough to eat Cardinal Tetra.
- Green Neon Tetra: Frontosa grows big enough to eat Green Neon Tetra.
- Black Neon Tetra: Frontosa grows big enough to eat Black Neon Tetra.
- Ember Tetra: Frontosa grows big enough to eat Ember Tetra.
- Lemon Tetra: Frontosa grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
- Glowlight Tetra: Frontosa grows big enough to eat Glowlight Tetra.
- Black Skirt Tetra: Frontosa grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Frontosa need?
At least 180 gallons for a group of 5. Adults grow to about 12 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Frontosa like?
75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8 to 9. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Frontosa should I keep together?
Keep 5 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Frontosa eat?
Pellets, frozen krill, mysis, small amounts of fish. Feed once a day: a modest portion of pellets they finish in about 3 minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.