Mpimbwe Frontosa Care Guide
The Mpimbwe Frontosa is a blue-bodied form of Cyphotilapia gibberosa from southern Lake Tanganyika, a large slow-growing centrepiece cichlid.
Overview
The Mpimbwe Frontosa is a regional form of Cyphotilapia gibberosa from the Mpimbwe shores of Lake Tanganyika. It shows deep blue between black vertical bars and a pronounced nuchal hump in adult males. C. gibberosa is the southern counterpart of C. frontosa and is one of the most sought-after Frontosa morphs.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cyphotilapia
- Scientific name: Cyphotilapia gibberosa "Mpimbwe"
- Note: C. gibberosa replaces C. frontosa in the southern half of the lake
Habitat
Cyphotilapia gibberosa is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and is known from the coastal region of the southern half of the lake. The type specimen was caught at 34 m depth, and large schools occur at 30-40 m or deeper. The Mpimbwe form comes from the Tanzanian shore of this southern range.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 700 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Group size: keep a colony of 5 or more
- Lifespan: 15-25 years
Diet
Like its congener, C. gibberosa is a deep-water predator that feeds on shoaling fish and invertebrates. In the aquarium it is offered meaty foods. Adults are fed conservatively, typically once daily, to match their slow metabolism.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive colony fish that suits mid-water Cyprichromis and catfish such as Synodontis multipunctatus. Small fish may be predated. It should not be mixed with mbuna or Tropheus, whose activity and aggression overwhelm the slow-moving Frontosa.
Breeding
Cyphotilapia gibberosa is a maternal mouthbrooder, with the female incubating eggs in her mouth. Captive breeding is rated intermediate and demands patience because of the slow growth rate.
Conservation status
Cyphotilapia gibberosa has not been formally evaluated on the IUCN Red List. Its close relative C. frontosa is assessed as Near Threatened, reflecting fishing pressure in the lake.