Red Frontosa - (Cyphotilapia Frontosa)

🐟 Red Frontosa – (Cyphotilapia frontosa) – Rare Color Morph of the Iconic Tanganyikan Cichlid

The Red Frontosa (Cyphotilapia frontosa) is a rare and selectively bred color morph of the famous Lake Tanganyika cichlid. While wild Frontosa are known for their blue and white barring, the Red Frontosa displays a unique reddish to orange hue across its body and fins, while retaining the classic high forehead (nuchal hump) and bold barring pattern.

This morph is highly sought after by collectors and Tanganyikan enthusiasts for its unusual coloration and regal presence. Like other Frontosa, it is a slow-moving, peaceful predator that thrives in large aquariums with rocky structures and dim lighting.

🔎 Quick Facts – Red Frontosa (Cyphotilapia frontosa)

• 📛 Common Names: Red Frontosa, Red Morph Frontosa
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia frontosa (color morph)
• 🌍 Origin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa (color morph developed in captivity)
• 🎨 Appearance: Tall-bodied with pronounced nuchal hump, vertical barring, and a distinctive reddish-orange hue
• 📏 Max Size: 12–14 inches (30–36 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Rare; selectively bred and in high demand

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful for its size; slow, deliberate swimmer
• ⚠️ Will eat small fish that fit in its mouth
• 👫 Best kept in groups (colony) for natural social behavior
• 🪵 Prefers low-stress environments with subdued lighting

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons for a colony
• 🌿 Rocky aquascape with caves and hiding spots
• 🪵 Sandy substrate
• 💡 Dim to moderate lighting
• 🌊 Gentle water movement

💧 Water Parameters – Red Frontosa Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 7.8–9.0
• 💧 Hardness: Hard, alkaline water

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous

• 🦐 Frozen krill, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp
• 🐟 High-quality carnivore pellets
• 🪱 Worms and insect larvae
• ⚠️ Avoid feeder fish to prevent disease introduction

📋 Red Frontosa Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Red Frontosa combines the elegance and commanding presence of the classic Frontosa with a rare and vibrant red coloration, making it a centerpiece fish for advanced African cichlid keepers.