6-Bar Frontosa Cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa) – The King of African Cichlids

The 6-Bar Frontosa is one of the most recognizable and sought-after African cichlids in the hobby. Known for their bold vertical black bars, bright white to blue bodies, and the signature hump that develops as they mature, Frontosas are true show fish that bring a calm but powerful presence to any large aquarium.

Unlike many African cichlids, Frontosas are relatively slow moving and less aggressive, making them a great choice for a Tanganyika biotope or a carefully planned cichlid community. As they grow, their personalities really develop and they often learn to recognize their owners.

Why you'll love 6-Bar Frontosas:
• Bold black bars with white to blue coloration
• Impressive size and presence as adults
• More calm than most African cichlids
• Long lifespan with proper care
• True centerpiece fish for large aquariums

Care Information:

Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia frontosa
Common Names: 6-Bar Frontosa, Frontosa Cichlid
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Adult Size: 10–12 inches
Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum
Temperature: 76–80°F
pH: 7.8–9.0
Diet: Carnivore (high quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and protein rich diets)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Tank Recommendations:
Frontosas do best in larger aquariums with rock structures, caves, and open swimming space. They prefer lower lighting compared to many African cichlids and appreciate stable water conditions. They can be kept in small groups or as a colony in properly sized tanks.

Feeding:
Feed high quality sinking cichlid pellets along with frozen foods like krill, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp. Avoid feeder fish as they can introduce disease and cause digestive issues.

Shipping Information:

• We ship all fish Monday and Tuesday
• Orders typically arrive Wednesday or Thursday
• Live arrival guaranteed when someone is available to receive the package on first delivery attempt
• Fish are professionally packed with insulation and heat or cold packs depending on weather
• Fish color and size may vary slightly due to natural variation

We take pride in properly packing every fish so it arrives healthy and ready for its new home.

Why buy from Fish Happens?
We specialize in healthy fish, careful packing, and reliable shipping. Every order is packed like we were shipping fish to ourselves.

Add a 6-Bar Frontosa to your aquarium if you want a true statement fish that combines size, beauty, and personality.