Cyphotilapia frontosa 'Kapampa'

Cyphotilapia frontosa 'Kapampa' is exported from the Kapampa region on the DRC's southern Tanganyika coast and is highly regarded for its consistent deep-blue colouration that permeates the head, flanks, and fins. This is a deep-water species in the wild, typically found below 30 metres, and it transitions well to aquarium conditions when acclimatised carefully.

Mature males develop an imposing nuchal hump and can reach 35 cm; they are long-lived, with captive specimens known to exceed 20 years. Frontosa are harem mouthbrooders and are best kept in groups of one male to several females, or in larger same-sex groups when breeding is not the goal.

Despite their large size, Frontosa are gentle giants in most respects — they are deliberate, slow-moving fish that pose little threat to tankmates of appropriate size. They require large, deep aquariums with open swimming space and subdued lighting to reflect their deep-water origins.

Water: 24–26°C, pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–18, KH 8–16; cooler and slightly less extreme than littoral Tanganyika species. Tank: 500 L minimum; open swimming space above substrate; caves or overhangs for shelter; subdued lighting preferred. Feeding: High-quality cichlid pellets; frozen shrimp, whitebait, and mussel; feed sparingly 2–3 times per week as adults. Breeding: Female mouthbrooder; large clutches of 30–60 eggs held for 4–5 weeks; harem setup of 1M:4–6F optimal. Compatibility: Peaceful with large Tanganyika species such as Altolamprologus, large Synodontis, and other Frontosa.