SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cyphotilapia frontosa.

SYNONYMS: Paratilapia frontosa, Pelmatochromis frontosus

COMMON NAME: 7 Stripe Frontosa.

ORIGIN: Africa

FAMILY: Cichlidae

SPECIES TYPE: Cyphotilapia frontosa(Kigoma)

MAXIMUM SIZE: 15 Inches

LIFE SPAN: 25-30 years

HABITAT: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika off the Kigoma coast in depths of 60-120 feet. Found in rocky areas.

DIET: In the wild they prefer crustaceans, fish, and mollusks, but in captivity, they can be fed flake, stick, and pelleted foods. Freeze dried, frozen and live foods, (brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms, etc.) are also relished.

TEMP:75-80 Degrees

PH: 8-9 moderatly alkaline, medium hard water (10dgh).

TEMPERMENT: Mildly aggresive.

TANK SIZE: 125g and a minimum of a 6 foot long tank, although, larger and wider tanks are better.

TANK REGION: Bottom to middle

TANK MATES: can be kept with other Tangs of a size which they cannot swallow. I have mine with Steatocranus species, Julidochromis species, and Neo and Altolamprologus species, to name a few.

FILTRATION AND SETUP: HoB, mechanical, canister, and sponge filters can all be used. Air stones are recommended to raise oxygen levels due to their size. Fronts need rocky structures and caves in which to hide in. The substrate can be sand or gravel. Plants can be kept in the tank as well.

COLORATION: Kigomas are a white fish with 7 vertical black stripes. They have elongated dorsal, anal and caudal fins . These are very beautiful fish.

BREEDING: They are mouth brooders in which the female lays the eggs and then picks them up in her mouth. Then the male fertilizes them in the love dance ritual. They tend to lay around 30-60 eggs. The eggs are cared for by the female for 5 to 6 weeks, at which time, the fry are free swimming. The female will allow them back into her mouth if danger is near, until the fry refuse to return.