Black Widow Frontosa

The "Black Widow Frontosa" is a rare and selectively bred variant of the Cyphotilapia frontosa, an African cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika. This unique variety maintains the distinctive characteristics of the Frontosa—its prominent hump on the head, thick body, and broad dorsal fins—but showcases a darker color palette, often with deeper blacks and more subdued whites or blues, giving it a more intense appearance.
 
Like the standard Frontosa, the Black Widow variant is a calm and regal fish but can be territorial. They can grow up to 12-14 inches in length and require a spacious tank of at least 100 gallons, as they prefer stable environments with plenty of room. Frontosas thrive in water with high alkalinity, pH levels of 8.0-9.0, and temperatures between 75-79°F to replicate the unique conditions of Lake Tanganyika.
 
Black Widow Frontosas are carnivores and enjoy a diet of high-quality pellets and occasional treats of live or frozen foods, such as krill and brine shrimp. They are slow-growing and known for their relatively peaceful behavior compared to other cichlids, making them suitable for large cichlid community tanks with other Lake Tanganyika species. Their rarity, striking appearance, and calm demeanor make Black Widow Frontosas a prized addition to specialized cichlid aquariums.