Frontosa Cichlid

Cyphotilapia frontosa

Frontosa Cichlid is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 5+Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 13" (≤ 33 cm)
Aquarium size: 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8–9
GH: 10–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 20 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 20 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 8–9, GH 10–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Frontosa Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Frontosa Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C)

FAQ

How large does Frontosa Cichlid get?

Frontosa Cichlid reaches ≤ 13" (≤ 33 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Frontosa Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length.

Is Frontosa Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Frontosa Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Frontosa Cichlid?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.

Should Frontosa Cichlid be kept alone or in a group?

Frontosa Cichlid: Keep in a loose group of 5+.