Cyphotilapia Frontosa Burundi 5cm

Cyphotilapia Frontosa Burundi

The Frontosa cichlid is one of the most iconic African cichlids available in the aquarium hobby. Originating from Lake Tanganyika in Africa, these fish are admired for their calm behaviour, striking pattern, and impressive size. The Burundi variant is one of the most commonly kept strains and is well known for its bold black and white banding.

Frontosa cichlids display a deep body shape with strong horizontal banding across the body. Their base colour is a soft white to pale blue tone, contrasted by dark vertical bands which give the fish its classic appearance. Mature males often develop a prominent nuchal hump on the forehead, which adds to their impressive look.

Sexing frontosa becomes easier as the fish mature, with males typically growing larger and developing the characteristic head hump. These fish are mouthbrooders and form breeding pairs, where the female carries fertilised eggs in her mouth until the fry are ready to be released.

Tank Recommendations for Your Cyphotilapia Frontosa Burundi

Frontosa cichlids grow quite large and require spacious aquariums. A minimum tank size of 400 litres is recommended. They prefer aquariums with rock structures and caves combined with open swimming areas. Strong filtration is also important, as these fish produce a moderate amount of waste.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Frontosa are relatively peaceful for large cichlids, but should still be kept with appropriately sized species.

Usually Compatible
Other Lake Tanganyika cichlids and larger peaceful cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible
Large catfish species such as synodontis.

Rarely Compatible
Small community fish that may become food.

Feeding Your Cyphotilapia Frontosa Burundi

The frontosa is a fairly easy fish to feed, as they readily take to aquarium foods. Because of their primarily herbivorous diet in the wild, it is best to use food high in spirulina content and green matter. This can be supplemented with blanched vegetables, and feeding can be done at any time of the day.