Frontosa Cichlid
The frontosa cichlid cyphotilapia frontosa also called humphead cichlid is a coveted african cichlid in the aquarium trade.
Frontosa cichlid. It can attain a length of about 14 inches. It is advisable to study the territorial requirements of the fish in your aquarium. Cyphotilapia frontosa also called the front cichlid and frontosa is an east african species of fish endemic to lake tanganyika.
Frontosa cichlid breeds around the whole tank and this makes it different from malawi cichlids which spawn around the one chosen area. Adult frontosa develop a huge cephalic hump usually more noticeable among males. Female can lay up to 80 eggs 6 7 cm in diameter.
After a female has spawned she must leave the breeding cave and return to her own secluded haven to brood as peacefully as possible. The name of the fish comes about as a result of the large hump that develops at the front of their head. There are three species in the genus cyphotilapia although all of them were initially called frontosa.
A distinct feature of the fish is the hump on its head which is present in both sexes and grows bigger as the fish matures. Frontosa cichlid fins grow with age. With its large size and very pronounced coloration it immediately draws attention and dominates an aquarium display.
Frontosa cichlid cyphotilapia frontosa also known as humphead cichlid is a typical member of the cichlidae family. The genus name is a combination of the ancient greek cypho meaning curved and tilapia which means fish in a local dialect. Frontosa cichlids generally have a white or light blue body with either 6 or 7 black vertical bars along each side.
Frontosa cichlids are generally characterized by their bold color pattern of white or blue depending on the strain body with 6 or 7 black vertical bars. The egg stage is from 40 to 54 days. The frontosa cichlid cyphotilapia frontosa originally paratilapia frontosa is a very handsome fish and held in the highest regard by cichlid keepers.
The species name frontosa is a reference to its relatively large forehead. In 40 days juveniles start leaving their mother s mouth since by this time they are rather large and independent.
