Cyphotilapia frontosa

A forehead hump and broad vertical bars; most locality forms have six bars and the Kigoma form seven.

A forehead hump and broad vertical bars are distinctive: most locality forms have six bars and the Kigoma form seven. Blue Zaire usually refers to C. gibberosa.

Adult length: Up to 25.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 23–27 °C
Lifespan: 10–15 years
pH: 8–9
Hardness: 10–25 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits rocky lake habitats, often in groups.

It may swallow smaller fish and needs mature, stable, hard, alkaline water. Forehead-hump size alone is not a reliable way to sex juveniles.

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Social behaviour and territory

Groups have a social hierarchy. Keep at least five fish, more where space allows; long-term housing needs a 240 × 60 cm footprint.

Diet and feeding

Combine formulated pellets with animal foods such as shrimp, while retaining some plant matter in the diet. Do not feed mammal meat.

Sources