Blue Zaire Frontosa (Cyphotilapia gibberosa) Care Guide

The southern Lake Tanganyika variant of the frontosa, recently recognized as a separate species. Distinguished by having seven rather than six vertical bars and a generally larger nuchal hump.

Overview

Cyphotilapia gibberosa is a species in the family Cichlidae. The southern Lake Tanganyika variant of the frontosa, recently recognized as a separate species. Distinguished by having seven rather than six vertical bars and a generally larger nuchal hump. The 'Blue Zaire' variant is especially prized.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Cyphotilapia
Scientific name: Cyphotilapia gibberosa
Other names: Gibberosa Frontosa, Zaire Blue Frontosa
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

Cyphotilapia gibberosa is a large, deep-bodied cichlid (frontosa) endemic to the deeper rocky zones of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. A slow-moving maternal mouthbrooder, it preys on smaller fish at night and develops a pronounced nuchal hump with age.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 500 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.5-9
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 25-38 cm
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 5
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Synodontis Petricola, Other Large Tanganyikan Cichlids
Avoid with: Mbunas, Small Fish, Aggressive Mbuna

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate