Frontosa Minimum Tank Size

[STEWARDSONS]

i have read a lot of differnt stories about these fish.

one bloke said he had 3 of them in an 180ltr tank! and they have been in there for 4 years!

also are they likely to grow to 35cm? another bloke said that his 2 died of old age and they were 4.5" and 6"

another bloke says he has 22 of them ranging from 3cm-20cm

 

[matt_storey]

They can grow over a foot long. Theres a display tank in a MA... i think it was Reading (yes i visit too many MA's) with about 5-6 all over a foot long

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Yeah, they grow massive, given time, say 4-5 years, not only like long but pretty tall too, its a beast

 

[STEWARDSONS]

so i couldnt house 2 in a 300l with firemouths, convicts and denisonii barbs?

 

[blue acara]

I'd say minimum tank size would be 5x2 footprint for a group.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

so i couldnt house 2 in a 300l with firemouths, convicts and denisonii barbs?

Nah and im pretty sure that they require a species only tank? Never seen them in a community as such

What about a blue acara^

 

[KkAaNnEe]

http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=lunJR0YUc-Y

 

[STEWARDSONS]

That is cruel. Looks like a 2ft tank max

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Yeah, this guy does great videos, dont look down on the tank. I was just showing you size wise.

 

[STEWARDSONS]

Yeah, this guy does great videos, dont look down on the tank. I was just showing you size wise.

so 2 could be housed in a 4ft tank then, i hear that they arent aggessive like everyone claims and get on with other cichlids. some people say they are peacekeepers

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Yeah, this guy does great videos, dont look down on the tank. I was just showing you size wise.

so 2 could be housed in a 4ft tank then, i hear that they arent aggessive like everyone claims and get on with other cichlids. some people say they are peacekeepers

Lol, wait, the tank is way too small, by far. I just dont want people to jump on that guy because of how it is housed. What I was trying to show you is how big they grow, they need a big tank

I have heard females are quite a bit smaller, but you'll need to research that yourself

 

[matt_storey]

copied from another site:

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Water Conditions: 72-82° F, KH 10-20, pH 7.8-9.0
Max. Size: 1' 3"
Color Form: Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Farm Raised, USA
Family: Cichlidae



overview
The Frontosa African Cichlid is a fairly typical member of the Cichlidae family. Both sexes are characterized by a large frontal hump which will develop as the fish reaches maturity, or attains a length of around 4 inches. It is known by the scientific name of Cyphotilapia frontosa, but may also be known as Paratilapia frontosa, and Pelmatochromis frontosus. Originating from the deep waters of Lake Tanganyika, Africa, wild-caught specimens are not seen as often as captive-bred specimens in the hobbyist's aquarium. In their native Africa, Frontosa African Cichlids are considered a delicacy on the table.
Although territorial, the Frontosa African Cichlid is generally not aggressive, but rather gentle and tolerant. It does well in a tank with plenty of rocks and caves for hiding and a sandy bottom. Plants are incidental but may be helpful for other tank mates.

A mouth brooder, eggs are laid in a rocky crevasse or cave and then scooped up by the female where she carries them for 21 to 28 days. Once released, she will take them back into her mouth at night or if danger is present. Most members of the mouth brooding variety of African Cichlids are easily bred while in the aquarium if given the proper tank set-up and excellent water conditions. A small group of 5 to 7 females and one male will provide the best opportunities for breeding.

The Frontosa African Cichlid prefers a diet of flaked and pellet foods and freeze-dried ocean plankton or krill.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" Medium 2 1/2" to 3 1/2"

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Also a five foot 70 gallon rather than 4 foot, even tho a 5x2x2 would be best

 

[STEWARDSONS]

is that 70 per fish? or would 70 be ok for a pair?

 

[KkAaNnEe]

I doubt its 70 per fish, as they are normally in groups. But that is really on the small side and they would need to be upgraded eventually, ideally it would just be a frontosa tank too