Black Widow Frontosa (Cyphotilapia Black Widow Frontosa)

Max Size: 12"-16"

Description:

The Black Widow Frontosa is a stunning cichlid fish native to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It is a selectively bred form of the Frontosa cichlid, and is known for its unique black and white coloration. Males exhibit a vibrant black body with white spots and stripes, while females are less colorful with a silver to gray body and black vertical bars. Black Widow Frontosa cichlids are known for their peaceful demeanor and hardy nature, making them a popular choice for aquarists of all skill levels.

Aquarium Size and Conditions:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks being more suitable for adults.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Between 70-82°F (21-28°C).
  • pH: 7.5-8.6.
  • Hardness: 10-20 dH.
  • Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm.
  • Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes of 20-30% should be performed weekly.

Feeding Recommendations:

Black Widow Frontosa cichlids are omnivores. Their diet should comprise high-quality flake food, pellets, and a mix of frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp. It's advisable to feed them multiple small meals throughout the day.

Additional Notes:

• Behavior: While Black Widow Frontosa cichlids are generally peaceful, they can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards their own kind. It's recommended to house them in a large enough tank with ample hiding spots in the form of caves and rocks. Black Widow Frontosas are also slow-growing fish, so it's important to be patient when waiting for them to reach full adult size.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-filtered aquarium is crucial to maintain water quality for Black Widow Frontosas. Regular water testing is advised to ensure parameters remain within the recommended range. Offering a varied diet ensures the fish receive all necessary nutrients. Observing the fish for any signs of illness or stress is essential for their well-being.

Compatibility:

Black Widow Frontosa cichlids can be kept with other Tanganyikan cichlids of similar size and temperament. However, it is important to avoid keeping them with Mbuna cichlids, as these fish are more aggressive. Other good tank mates for Black Widow Frontosa cichlids include Tropheus, Synodontis catfish, and other non-cichlid fish from Lake Tanganyika.