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Freshwater fishBlack Widow Frontosa
Black Widow Frontosa
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The black widow frontosa is a variation of the Burundi frontosa bred in Taiwan to bring out a mapping black pattern roughly like a spider web. These frontosa are difficult to breed and command a higher price, but they are beautiful fish.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Cyphotilapia frontosa (line-bred) |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika, Africa (bred in Taiwan) |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful for its size, but eats small fish |
| Adult Size | Up to 12–14" |
| Lifespan | 20+ years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Water Temperature | 75–80°F |
| pH | 7.8–9.0 |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1–2" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Frontosa need a sand bottom, a few large, stable rock caves and lots of open water. Keep the lighting moderate. Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids need hard, alkaline water; crushed coral or aragonite sand helps hold the pH up.
Feeding: Feed a quality sinking cichlid pellet once a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like shrimp. Avoid feeder fish, which can carry disease.
Tankmates: Frontosa do best in a group with other peaceful, large Tanganyikans like calvus and cyprichromis (adult frontosa will eat small fish), plus synodontis catfish.
Good to know: Frontosa grow slowly and can live 20 years or more, so they are a long-term commitment.
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