Highlights

• Scientific classification: Belongs to the family Cichlidae and was first described by George Albert Boulenger in 1906.

• Common names: Frontosa cichlid, humphead cichlid, or simply "Frontosa."

• Habitat: Native to Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. They are usually found at depths of 30–50 meters, preferring rocky coastal zones.

• Size: Can grow up to 33–35 cm in length, making them one of the larger cichlids.

• Appearance: Recognizable by their black and white vertical stripes and a cranial hump that becomes more pronounced with age.

• Behavior: Generally peaceful compared to other cichlids, though they can be territorial. They often form schools in deeper waters.

• Diet: In the wild, they feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. In aquariums, they thrive on a mix of pellets, frozen food, and occasional live feed.

• Aquarium care:

  • Water temperature: 24–26°C

  • pH: 8.0–9.0 (alkaline, reflecting Lake Tanganyika’s chemistry)

  • Tank size: Large aquariums are recommended due to their size and schooling nature