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About the Frontosa Burundi Cichlid

The Frontosa Burundi Cichlid is one of the most iconic and sought-after African cichlids, admired for its majestic appearance, bold vertical black bands, and impressive nuchal hump that develops in mature males. Originating from the northern waters of Lake Tanganyika around Burundi, this stunning variety is renowned for its broad body, vivid blue-white colouration, and calm, regal swimming behaviour.

Unlike many African cichlids, Frontosas are relatively peaceful and slow-moving, making them an excellent centrepiece species for large Tanganyikan aquariums. They naturally inhabit deep rocky waters where they spend their time cruising amongst caves and ledges in search of small fish and crustaceans.

Frontosa Burundi Cichlids thrive in spacious aquariums with large rock formations, caves, sandy substrates, and excellent filtration. They are best kept in small groups with one dominant male and several females, allowing them to display their natural social hierarchy. A premium diet consisting of high-quality cichlid pellets, krill, mysis shrimp, prawns, and other protein-rich foods will help maintain their health, colouration, and steady growth.

With their incredible presence, intelligence, and long lifespan, the Frontosa Burundi is considered one of the ultimate display fish for African cichlid enthusiasts.

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Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Cyphotilapia frontosa "Burundi"

Common Name

Frontosa Burundi Cichlid

Origin

Lake Tanganyika (Burundi), East Africa

Adult Size

30–35 cm

Temperament

Peaceful to Semi-aggressive

Diet

Carnivore

Minimum Tank Size

500 Litres

Temperature

24–27°C

pH

7.8–9.0

Water Hardness

10–20 dGH

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

15–25 Years

Suitable For

Large Lake Tanganyika aquariums

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Frontosa Burundi Cichlids aggressive?

No. Compared to most African cichlids, Frontosas are relatively peaceful, although dominant males will establish territories and breeding hierarchies.

How large do Frontosa Burundi Cichlids grow?

Adult Frontosas commonly reach between 30 and 35 cm, requiring a very large aquarium with plenty of swimming space.

What do Frontosa Burundi Cichlids eat?

They thrive on premium carnivorous cichlid pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, krill, prawns, whitebait, and other high-quality protein-rich foods.

Can Frontosa Burundi Cichlids live with Mbuna?

No. Frontosas are best kept with other peaceful Tanganyikan cichlids or similarly calm, large African species. Fast and aggressive Mbuna can stress them.

How many Frontosas should I keep?

Ideally, keep them in groups of five or more with one male and multiple females. This encourages natural behaviour and reduces aggression.

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Common Mistakes

Keeping them in aquariums that are too small

Frontosas become very large and require spacious aquariums to thrive.

Mixing them with aggressive Mbuna

Highly aggressive or fast-moving cichlids can outcompete and stress Frontosas.

Feeding feeder fish

Feeder fish can introduce parasites and disease. A high-quality prepared and frozen diet is much safer.

Poor water quality

Stable, hard, alkaline water with powerful filtration is essential for this long-lived species.

Not providing caves and rockwork

Large caves and rocky structures help replicate their natural habitat and provide security.