Overview
The Frontosa is a large, slow-moving cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, one of the biggest and oldest lakes in Africa. It wears bold black and blue-white stripes and grows a rounded lump on its forehead called a nuchal hump, which gets bigger as the fish ages. Grown Frontosa can reach about a foot long, so they need a big tank with plenty of room.
In the wild, Frontosa live deep in the lake and gather in large groups. At night they hunt smaller fish that come out to sleep. They are calm and dignified compared to many cichlids, but because they are predators, they will try to eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. Kept in a roomy tank with the right water, a Frontosa can live for many years.
| Care level | Moderate |
| Adult size | 12 in (30 cm) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Min. tank | 125 gallons (473 L) |
| Temperature | 74-80 F (23-27 C) |
| pH | 8.0-9.0 |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Schooling | Yes, does best in a group |
The forehead crown
The big bump on a Frontosa's head is called a nuchal hump. It grows larger with age, and dominant males often have the biggest humps of all.
Deep-lake living
Frontosa come from deep water in Lake Tanganyika, sometimes 100 feet down or more. They gather in large schools and rest during the day, then hunt at night.
Gentle giant with a catch
For a cichlid, the Frontosa is calm and slow. But it is still a predator, so it should never share a tank with fish small enough to become a snack.
Hard, rocky water
Lake Tanganyika has hard, alkaline water with a high pH. To keep a Frontosa healthy, the tank should copy those rocky, mineral-rich conditions.
Fun facts
- The bump on a Frontosa's head is called a nuchal hump and grows bigger with age.
- Frontosa live in Lake Tanganyika, which is over 400 miles long and among the deepest lakes on Earth.
- They are mouthbrooders, meaning the mother carries her eggs and babies inside her mouth to keep them safe.
- A well-kept Frontosa can live for 15 to 20 years, longer than many pet dogs.
- In the wild they hunt at night, ambushing smaller fish that rest in the dark.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a Frontosa get?
They can reach about 12 inches long, roughly the length of a ruler, so they need a large tank of at least 125 gallons.
Can I keep small fish with a Frontosa?
No. Frontosa are predators and will eat any fish small enough to swallow. Tankmates should be similar in size.
How do Frontosa protect their babies?
The mother keeps the eggs and newly hatched fry inside her mouth, a trick called mouthbrooding, until they are big enough to swim on their own.
What kind of water do they need?
They come from Lake Tanganyika, which has hard water and a high pH, so their tank should match those mineral-rich conditions.
