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In Latin, Frontoza is referred to as Cyphotilapia frontosa. The fish is very beautiful and is very popular among those who are not indifferent to cichlids. Even in an aquarium, it is distinguished by pronounced attractiveness due to its large size and bright color. They are always noticeable due to their colorful colors. The size of the fish is really impressive, since it can reach a length of 35 cm. The color of the fish is really interesting. Blue and white background is marked by the presence of black stripes on the body.
Tsifotilapiya fronts is not difficult to care for yourself, but you need a fairly spacious aquarium equipped with modern high-quality equipment. It is better to start this fish for those who already have sufficient experience in this matter. These fish are not marked by significant aggression, therefore their content with various other species of fish is allowed. It is better to keep them in separate groups, the place of detention of which will be a large aquarium. The group usually includes one male and three females. It is very good if individuals are present in an amount of 8-12 pieces. It is easy to guess that in this case a rather capacious aquarium is required.
If one fish is contained, then it will require a volume of 300 liters of water. Several fish need at least 500 liters. Ideally, the bottom should be sandy with the presence of stones. Plants are not required, although some of them can still be planted.
Frontoza is distinguished by the property of good cohabitation with its neighbors. But this is observed only until the moment when someone did not encroach on its territory. Therefore, if the aquarium is cramped, there is no point in keeping it in it. They do not contain it together with those fish that Frontoza can swallow. If this opportunity presents itself to her, she will certainly take advantage of it. You can be absolutely sure of this.
Being in nature
In food uses fish, shellfish, various invertebrate representatives. The fish has a large and strong body with a large head with a pronounced forehead on it. Under aquarium conditions, the body length can reach three tens of centimeters. Females differ in slightly more modest dimensions. Of course, in the wild, all parameter indicators are more significant. You can meet an individual whose length reaches 40 centimeters. On average, representatives of this species can live 20 years.
The males have a pronounced fat growth in the forehead. But at a young age he is absent. Body color gray-blue shades. The body has six black stripes. The color of the fins is different, from white to blue tones. The shape of the fins is elongated and pointed in nature.
Conditions of detention
Frontosa requires clean water for maintenance, and prefers to swim in a spacious aquarium. Regular water changes are required. Necessary and the right selection of neighbors. Of all the known cichlids, frontoza is the calmest species.Large fish can easily be its neighbors, but this is extremely undesirable, because they simply can eat it.
Nature of feeding
Food consists of various live feeds. In natural conditions it feeds on various small fish and all kinds of mollusks. With an aquarium content, fish, worms, shrimp, small pieces of squid carcass are suitable for food. Self-cooking minced meat is allowed for food. Also, the fish can be fed with bloodworms, pipe mumps, artemia. With a deficiency of vitamins, various additives are used. A good example is spirulina. Feeding is carried out several times during the day. At one time, a small portion of the feed is needed.
Aquarium conditions
This species is extremely slow. It can float throughout the artificial reservoir and requires large volumes of water. If one frontose is contained, then an aquarium of at least 300 liters is needed. Of course, it is better if at least four individuals are kept, but in this case the minimum volume of the aquarium should be 500 liters.
They carry out regular water changes, and also install a powerful external filter. This is due to the increased sensitivity of cichlids to purity. Such an installation will allow not only filtering, but also enhance gas exchange and oxygen saturation of water. In nature, cichlids are demanding on water with good oxygen saturation. Activities aimed at additional aeration will never interfere. Constant monitoring of the qualitative composition of water is required.
Important! You can not overfeed the fish and densely populate the aquarium.
Stable water parameters are required. It is important to monitor the large amount of oxygen dissolved in it. The ideal temperature is approximately 24-26 degrees. Natural water is hard, has a pH shift to the acid side. If the water in the area of residence is soft, then this can create additional difficulties. In this case, harder water is made artificially. For example, coral chips are added.
If you create optimal conditions for keeping and bring water closer to the required parameters, then with the survival of the fish, as a rule, there are no problems. It should be ensured that there is no sharp change in water parameters. Therefore, you need to add it in small portions.
The issue of plants does not require a serious approach. They are not so important for these fish as the condition and nature of the bottom. It is better if the bottom is sandy. It is good if some shelters are constructed in the form of large stones and snags. This is due to the fact that frontoza is characterized by some timidity and is not averse to hiding somewhere. The stones should stand firmly and not fall during the shelter of fish in them.
Neighborhood with various types of fish
In general, the fish is not aggressive. However, she loves territoriality. An ideal option would be their separate content. It should always be remembered that this species is a predator, and is able to eat other representatives, which it can simply swallow. A flock during maintenance should consist of at least one male and three females.
It is rather difficult to distinguish fish by sex, although males are somewhat larger than females.
Breeding principles
For spawning, you need a large aquarium with a volume of at least 400 liters. Water temperature should be 25-28 degrees, and pH - 8 units. The female is able to lay up to 50 large eggs. The place is being prepared by the male. Usually it is between the stones. After laying eggs, they are fertilized by the male. For three days, the fertilized eggs are hatched by the female in the mouth. Then fry begin to hatch. Incubation of fry also takes place in the female’s mouth. At this time, the territory is carefully guarded by the male. Care for the fry will continue for 4-6 weeks. Feeding them with artemia.
Video: aquarium fish fronts
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