Cyphotilapia frontosa is one of the most iconic cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, instantly recognizable by its large, rounded body, bold vertical black and white striping, and the distinctive nuchal hump that develops prominently in mature males. Found in deep water zones of Lake Tanganyika — typically 30 to 50 meters — this species is adapted to cooler, highly oxygenated conditions compared to many other cichlid lake species. In the wild, Frontosas hunt in large schools, rising from the depths at dawn and dusk to feed on sleeping Cyprichromis and other open-water cichlids. Their large mouth allows them to engulf prey whole. In captivity, the Frontosa is a surprisingly peaceful species for its size, tolerating other tankmates with minimal aggression outside of spawning periods. They are biparental mouthbrooders, and the male's large hump becomes even more pronounced with age. Frontosas are slow-growing fish with exceptional lifespans of 20–25 years, requiring long-term dedication from keepers. A large colony aquarium of 400 liters or more is needed to accommodate a school. The species is highly sought after in multiple geographical color variants, including Burundi (six-bar), Zaire Blue, and Kipili.
