Questions About Frontosa Behavior

[Lisa67]

I've had 2 young frontosa (about 3") in a mbuna tank for the past few months. I recently aquired a 72 gal tank so I moved them and added 2 smaller fronts (about 2"). Yes, I do realize that they will eventually have to be moved to a larger tank but I'm hoping this tank will be ok for a few years. Anyway, I'm curious about some of their behavior. I've seen them approach each other in different ways. For example, I've seen them approach each other with their fins back which looks like a friendly approach. I haven't been able to find any info on behavior other than fighting.

Also, when the larger two were in the mbuna tank they ate cichlid pelets. I was afraid to feed shrimp or live food because I didn't want to make the other fish sick. Now that they are alone what would be the best diet for them? What type of shrimp can I feed them? Can I use grocery store shrimp or do I need to buy brine shrimp or something else? I'm confused about how many times a week they should have pellets, live food, shrimp, etc.

Also, just curious... approx how long would I be able to keep them in the 72 gal tank before they outgrow it?

Thank you in advance!

 

[minnnt]

Hi Lisa, i believe that the Frontosa is a very slow growing species. There was an article in a fish magazine here in the UK that commented on them being one of the laziest fish there is. The writer also spoke of a friend of his keeping a group in a 4 x 2 x 2 tank and it was very successful. How long is your tank? The thinking behind the article suggested that because they're not the most active species they don't require as much space. I guess if it is 5ft or more they would be fine in that tank for life. Maybe 6 would be better eventually though?

It also stated that they will snack on smaller fish so i guess their diet should be more meat based? I guess food like shrimp, earthworm, frozen food would be ideal and obviously the regular diet should include flakes and pellets too. I would feed them two or three times a day and probably every other day chuck a few defrosted frozen live food cubes in the tank. I'm sure when they have established the hierachy then it will be a very nice species tank. I love frontosa's and would love to have some.

Keep us posted.

 

[kiriyama]

I was just reading this on another forum and then came over here and read this , have a look , might be something on it

http/www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=224148

 

[Lisa67]

Thank you both for your answers. Yes, most articles I've read have said that a 6' tank is recommended. I'm not realy sure why because fronts certianly don't move around much. I don't plan to have more than 4 but I guess I will have to move them eventually. My tank is a 72 gal bowfront that I got on craigslist. It was such a great deal I couldn't resist. I'm just wondering at what age it will become necessary to move them. I did read that they grow fastest early on and then very slowly after the first year or two.

Feeding them 3 times/day seems like a lot to me. I feed my mbuna once a day and they are very active fish. Not sure though, maybe I should feed them more. Still wondering if they can have regular grocery store shrimp. Sometimes I can get it pretty cheap.

Anyone with comments on frontosa behavior?

 

[niknak]

Might be worth you having alook on here http/www.riftvalleycichlids.co.uk/index.php?board=19.0

Alot of knowledgeable people who keep fronts.