Humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)

Scientific name: Cyphotilapia frontosa Boulenger, 1906

Humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)

The Humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 33 cm (13 in). It is moderate to keep and peaceful, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 285 L (75 US gal), water at 22–30°C (72–86°F) and a pH of 7.8–9.5. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.

Humphead cichlid care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
33 cm (13 in)
Minimum tank
285 L (75 US gal)
Temperature
22–30°C (72–86°F)
pH
7.8–9.5
Hardness
10–20 dGH (178–357 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore

Biology

Rock-dwellers, often in aggregation. Omnivorous, feed on shellfish (snails and mussels) and fish. Food intake of mouth brooding females is for nourishment of both themselves and the young. Aquarium keeping: several females for one male; minimum aquarium size >200 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Cyphotilapia frontosa
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
33.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 8.0 - ?; dH range: 8 - 12 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec=50)

More african cichlids

See all african cichlids

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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