Freshwater
Cichlid
More details
Humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
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Pro
Description
The Humphead Cichlid is a majestic and slow-moving species from Lake Tanganyika, known for its bold vertical stripes, large nuchal hump, and tranquil behavior. It’s a favorite centerpiece for African cichlid enthusiasts with large, stable tanks.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires high water stability, proper group dynamics, and a spacious tank with hardscape.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred lines are common, but wild variants (especially from specific regions) face collection pressure.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa—especially the northern and central rocky shorelines and shelf zones.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Large-bodied with five to seven black vertical bars over a pearly blue-white body. Mature males develop a prominent forehead hump. Calm, gliding swimmers with an almost regal demeanor.
Purpose
Ideal for peaceful African cichlid biotopes and show tanks. Their size, shape, and behavior bring a sense of stillness and gravity to dynamic setups.
Importance
Frontosa are long-lived, intelligent, and gentle giants. Keeping a stable group encourages natural hierarchy and displays. Valued for their low aggression and striking visuals.
Included Resources
Needs rock caves, open swimming zones, and sand or fine substrate. Strong biofiltration, high oxygen levels, and consistent parameters are key. Prefer dim lighting and minimal disturbance.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for Tanganyikan-themed aquascapes or mixed African cichlid tanks with peaceful companions. Best housed in small harems or species-only setups.
Conservation Context
Some regional variants are over-collected for the aquarium trade. Supporting captive-bred specimens helps reduce wild pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Synodontis catfish
• Calvus and compressiceps
• Other Tanganyika species (e.g., Cyprichromis)
• Avoid aggressive mbuna or small fish that may be eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: -5.2200° S
• Longitude: 29.7200° E
(Northern Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma, Tanzania)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -6.1300° S
• Longitude: 29.6200° E
(Central Lake Tanganyika, Zambia side)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires high water stability, proper group dynamics, and a spacious tank with hardscape.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred lines are common, but wild variants (especially from specific regions) face collection pressure.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa—especially the northern and central rocky shorelines and shelf zones.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Large-bodied with five to seven black vertical bars over a pearly blue-white body. Mature males develop a prominent forehead hump. Calm, gliding swimmers with an almost regal demeanor.
Purpose
Ideal for peaceful African cichlid biotopes and show tanks. Their size, shape, and behavior bring a sense of stillness and gravity to dynamic setups.
Importance
Frontosa are long-lived, intelligent, and gentle giants. Keeping a stable group encourages natural hierarchy and displays. Valued for their low aggression and striking visuals.
Included Resources
Needs rock caves, open swimming zones, and sand or fine substrate. Strong biofiltration, high oxygen levels, and consistent parameters are key. Prefer dim lighting and minimal disturbance.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for Tanganyikan-themed aquascapes or mixed African cichlid tanks with peaceful companions. Best housed in small harems or species-only setups.
Conservation Context
Some regional variants are over-collected for the aquarium trade. Supporting captive-bred specimens helps reduce wild pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Synodontis catfish
• Calvus and compressiceps
• Other Tanganyika species (e.g., Cyprichromis)
• Avoid aggressive mbuna or small fish that may be eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: -5.2200° S
• Longitude: 29.7200° E
(Northern Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma, Tanzania)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -6.1300° S
• Longitude: 29.6200° E
(Central Lake Tanganyika, Zambia side)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires high water stability, proper group dynamics, and a spacious tank with hardscape.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred lines are common, but wild variants (especially from specific regions) face collection pressure.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa—especially the northern and central rocky shorelines and shelf zones.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Large-bodied with five to seven black vertical bars over a pearly blue-white body. Mature males develop a prominent forehead hump. Calm, gliding swimmers with an almost regal demeanor.
Purpose
Ideal for peaceful African cichlid biotopes and show tanks. Their size, shape, and behavior bring a sense of stillness and gravity to dynamic setups.
Importance
Frontosa are long-lived, intelligent, and gentle giants. Keeping a stable group encourages natural hierarchy and displays. Valued for their low aggression and striking visuals.
Included Resources
Needs rock caves, open swimming zones, and sand or fine substrate. Strong biofiltration, high oxygen levels, and consistent parameters are key. Prefer dim lighting and minimal disturbance.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for Tanganyikan-themed aquascapes or mixed African cichlid tanks with peaceful companions. Best housed in small harems or species-only setups.
Conservation Context
Some regional variants are over-collected for the aquarium trade. Supporting captive-bred specimens helps reduce wild pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Synodontis catfish
• Calvus and compressiceps
• Other Tanganyika species (e.g., Cyprichromis)
• Avoid aggressive mbuna or small fish that may be eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: -5.2200° S
• Longitude: 29.7200° E
(Northern Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma, Tanzania)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -6.1300° S
• Longitude: 29.6200° E
(Central Lake Tanganyika, Zambia side)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
Region
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