Black Widow Frontosa Cichlid - (Cyphotilapia frontosa)

🐟 Black Widow Frontosa Cichlid – (Cyphotilapia frontosa)

The Black Widow Frontosa is a majestic and striking cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Renowned for its large size, distinct hump, and dramatic black and white vertical banding, this species is a favorite among African cichlid enthusiasts. It requires a spacious tank with stable water conditions and a calm environment.

🌊 Habitat & Care

🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons
🌊 Prefers hard, alkaline freshwater with low to moderate water flow
🪵 Provide rock caves and ample hiding spaces to mimic natural rocky habitat

🍽️ Diet

🍤 Carnivorous/Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live foods
🐟 Requires a balanced diet to maintain health and coloration

⚖️ Temperament

🐠 Generally peaceful but territorial, especially during breeding
🚫 Best kept with similarly sized and temperament-compatible tankmates

🧠 Behavior & Special Considerations

🌡️ Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
💧 pH: 7.8–9.0
📏 Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm) in captivity; can reach up to 24 inches (61 cm) in the wild
⚠️ Sensitive to water quality; requires excellent filtration and stable environment
🌿 Benefits from a tank with plenty of rockwork and subdued lighting

📋 At a Glance

💡 The Black Widow Frontosa is a majestic and peaceful cichlid, perfect for experienced aquarists with large tanks and stable water conditions.