Frontosa Red

The red frontosa is a variation of the Burundi frontosa bred in Taiwan to bring out a red color on the body of the fish. These frontosas are sometimes called the copper band frontosa, though the banding on the variant is really black. In all other ways, the red frontosa is similar to the six band frontosa. These fish sell about as quickly as they are bred, so it is difficult to import anything more than a small size specification. This week the breeder only had little guys, but they seem to be hardy.

Quick Facts

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.