Red Frontosa

fish description – Red Frontosa Cichlid Care Guide ($Cyphotilapiasp.$ ‘Red Morph’)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

• Short Description: A massive, deep-bodied cichlid with a large forehead (nuchal hump in males). The red coloration is typically an underlying hue that gives the fish an orange/reddish cast over the traditional blue/black barring.
• Coloration: Body is generally dark with vertical barring/mottling, with a deep red or orange pigmentation across the body and fins. Males grow larger and develop a prominent, fatty nuchal hump. Females are smaller and rounder-bodied, with a smaller or absent hump.
• Fins: Long, flowing dorsal and anal fins.
• Behavior: A relatively slow-moving, mid-to-bottom dweller. They are gregarious and form social hierarchies. They are opportunistic predators that hunt small fish at night and are sensitive to bright light.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons (475 liters) is the minimum for a small group (5-6 juveniles). 180 gallons or larger is required for a mature colony. The tank must be long and wide.
• Group Size: Must be kept in a group (harem) of at least 5–6 individuals to reduce stress and diffuse aggression (a single male with multiple females is ideal).
• Temperature: Tropical range: 72∘–82∘F (22∘–28∘C) (ideal 78∘–82∘F). Stability is essential.
• pH Level: Hard, alkaline water is mandatory: 7.8 to 9.0. They require very high $\text{KH}$ for stability. Pristine water quality (nitrates below 20 $\text{ppm}$) and powerful filtration are crucial. Water movement should be calm to moderate.
• Aquascape: Requires a soft sand or fine gravel substrate (as they dig). Decorate with heavy, stacked rockwork and caves to replicate their rocky, deep-water habitat. Dim lighting is preferred.

Diet and Feeding

The Frontosa is an omnivore with a strong carnivorous preference (piscivore/crustacean eater).

• Staple Diet: High-quality sinking cichlid pellets or sinking sticks.
• Supplementation: Diet must be rich in protein and low in fat. Offer sinking frozen foods regularly: Prawns (Krill, Mysis Shrimp), Clams, and White Fish Fillet. Supplement with color-enhancing foods (carotenoids/astaxanthin). Avoid bloodworms and mammalian meat (beef heart).
• Schedule: Feed once or twice daily. They are slow, deliberate eaters.

Compatibility

• Caution: Will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth (under 2 inches). Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous cichlids (e.g., Mbuna) that may harass the slower-moving Frontosa. Prone to Malawi Bloat if fed inappropriate foods (high fat/protein).
• Good Tank Mates: Other large, robust, and relatively peaceful cichlids from Lake Tanganyika and similar hardy, large fish. Examples include Calvus or Compressiceps species, Synodontis Catfish, and Large Plecos.