Edit Cyphotilapia frontosa
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Name
Scientific name
Cyphotilapia frontosa
Described by
Authority Boulenger, Year 1906
Family
Cichlidae
Summary
The humphead cichlid, Cyphotilapia frontosa, is a large cichlid endemic to the northern portion of Lake Tanganyika. Known in the hobby as '…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
255mm, standard length
Tank size
Minimum length 240 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 23–27°C, pH 8–9
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries
Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania
Supporting text
Etymology
Cyphotilapia: from the Ancient Greek κυφός (kyfós), meaning 'a hump', and the generic name Tilapia, itself a latinisation of the Tswana word tlhapi, meaning 'f…
Distribution
Endemic to the northern portion of Lake Tanganyika where it is distributed between Cape Tembwe on the western coast and Bulu Point on the eastern coast. It occ…
Habitat
Tanganyika is the most ancient of East Africa’s Great Rift Lakes. It is estimated to be the second largest, second deepest, and longest freshwater body in the …
Aquarium size
Dimensions of 240 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm96 ∗ 24 ∗ 24 in or equivalent are the minimum necessary for long-term maintenance, but greater width, and particularly depth are …
Maintenance
A well-structured aquarium comprising some sheltered areas with plenty of open space is considered ideal. A natural set-up could consist of a sandy substrate p…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
This species is a generalised predator feeding on smaller fishes, macro-invertebrates, and molluscs, plus some algae and organic detritus which is presumably i…
Behaviour and compatibility
This species may eat much smaller fishes but can form part of a well-chosen Tanganyikan community provided the aquarium is of a sufficient size. It is gregario…
Sexual dimorphism
Juveniles are impossible to sex accurately but adult males grow larger, possess more extended fins, and develop a larger nuchal hump than females.
Reproduction
A maternal, ovophilous mouthbrooder that is commonly bred in aquaria. Adult males are polygynous and should ideally be offered at least 3-4 females each, and i…
Notes
Cyphotilapia species are typically referred to as 'frontosa' or simply 'front' in the aquarium hobby, although other vernacular names include 'Tanganyika humph…
References
References
5 on this profile