Humphead Cichlid, scientifically known as Cyphotilapia frontosa, is a fish native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
Its name comes from Greek and local dialect words for “curved” and “fish”. The name also highlights the fish’s large forehead.
This fish is also known by other names, such as Front Cichlid and Frontosa Cichlid.
Humphead Cichlids live among rocks and usually gather in groups. They eat a variety of foods, like shellfish (snails and mussels) and other fish.
When female Humphead Cichlids carry eggs in their mouths, they eat more food to nourish both themselves and their young.
To keep Humphead Cichlids in an aquarium, it’s best to have multiple females for each male. The aquarium should be at least 200 cm long.
Humphead Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Humphead Cichlid is native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa and has a noticeable large forehead.
- These fish live among rocks, eat shellfish and other fish, and females carry eggs in their mouths.
- In an aquarium, maintain multiple females per male and ensure the tank is at least 200 cm long.
- Ideal water conditions for Humphead Cichlids include a pH of around 8.0, hardness between 8 to 12 dH, and temperatures between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C).
Humphead Cichlid Habitat
Humphead Cichlid is native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa, specifically found in the northern half of the lake.
It lives in freshwater and prefers to swim near the bottom (benthopelagic).
The ideal water conditions for this fish include a pH range around 8.0, water hardness between 8 to 12 dH, and temperatures between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C).
This tropical species is typically found at latitudes between 3°S to 10°S.
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | 8 to 12 dH |
Humphead Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 13.0 inches (33.0 centimeters)
Humphead Cichlid grows up to 13.0 inches (33.0 centimeters) long.
This is measured using the standard length method, which measures from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail base.
Humphead Cichlid Reproduction
Female Humphead Cichlids hold their eggs in their mouth. When the embryos hatch, they start eating particles that the female breathes in, even though they still have a large yolk.
In one study, a 14 cm long female parent was found to carry larvae up to 1.66 cm long inside her mouth.
Humphead Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Cyphotilapia |
| Scientific Name: | Cyphotilapia frontosa |
| Also Known As: | Humphead Cichlid, Front Cichlid, Frontosa Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |