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Freshwater   Fishes

Humphead Cichlid
(Cyphotilapia frontosa)

Humphead Cichlid

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

  • None (for the moment!)

Names

Scientific name
Cyphotilapia frontosa

Common name
Humphead Cichlid

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: East Africa - Lake Tanganyika
Biotope: African

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

The male is taller and has a bigger bump on its head

Group

Group

Cichlidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

500 L / 110 imp gal / 132 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 22 à 27°C or 72 to 81°F
pH: 7.5 to 9
Hardness: 10 to 30°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

30 to 35cm (12 to 14")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

10 years (sometimes over 20 years old)

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle

Individuals

sociability of the species

Harem

Food

How to feed the Cyphotilapia frontosa?

Food

How to feed the Cyphotilapia frontosa?

Carnivorous fish, more precisely piscivorous (eats fish). It also accepts a lot of meat foods such as mussels, small shrimps, shellfish...

You can opt for fresh or frozen foods specially designed for aquarium fish.

The Humphead Cichlid will also eat very well dry foods such as flakes or pellets, but you’ll need, however, to vary their diet to avoid any risk of deficiencies.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Cyphotilapia frontosa have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Cyphotilapia frontosa have?

In general, this species is quite peaceful for a territorial Cichlid. Things should be good, as long as the aquarium is big enough and the other fish respect its space.

During the breeding season, we can observe a peak of activity, even aggressiveness in some cases.

It absolutely needs the presence of its peers to feel good. Constitute your group in harem, with a male for several females.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Cyphotilapia frontosa?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Cyphotilapia frontosa?

The cohabitation of this great Cichlid is not so difficult as other species. Indeed, it is quite tolerant with its roommates, even with territorial fish.

For a perfect harmony and a successful cohabitation, pair it with other cichlids living in the Lake Tanganyika.

Of course, it should not be associated with too small fish under penalty of ending up as dessert. Fish less than 12 cm or 4.5 inch are therefore to be avoided.

Be careful not to introduce species like Mbunas that are too active, aggressive and have a strong temperament for your Humphead Cichlid.

Breeding

How to breed the Cyphotilapia frontosa?

Breeding

How to breed the Cyphotilapia frontosa?

Breeding of Cyphotilapia frontosa is not easy for beginners.

The starting point is the maintenance of your fish harem: a male for several females. Set the temperature to 25/26°C or 77/79°F.

If your fish are laying in a specific aquarium, you do not have a risk of parental predation on fry. On the other hand, if you keep your group in a community aquarium, it is better to separate the breeding pair in another aquarium and leave them there all along the laying process. Thus, fry will be protected from the appetite of other species.

The female can lay up to 50 eggs, which it will pick up and incubate in its mouth for several weeks (about 30 to 35 days).

At birth, the fry measure about 2 centimeters or 0.8 inch.

Fry food: flakes and Artemia.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Cyphotilapia frontosa?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Cyphotilapia frontosa?

Like all territorial fish, the Humphead Cichlid will need a large space to allow it to have its own living space. So, plan a minimum of 500 liters or 110 Imp Gal or 132 US Gal for this species.

The Humphead Cichlid loves rocky aquariums, forming caves and hiding places: perfect for resting and hiding! Pay particular attention to the stability of the rocks, because this fish can at times activate a little more and heckle the scenery (especially during the breeding season). It is therefore necessary to avoid the risks of landslide. For this, you can stick your rocks together.

In its natural environment, it lives mostly deep, where there is little light. Reproduce this effect in your aquarium by dimming your lighting or choosing a low intensity. A dim light reinforces its sense of security.

With such an environment and with other congeners, your fish will feel perfectly at home!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Curiosity: it seems that in its natural habitat, the deeper the fish live and the bigger it is!

Yours photos!

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