The Black Widow German Cyphotilapia frontosa is a striking, line-bred variant known for its dark, velvety body with irregular black markings that resemble the pattern of a black widow spider. Unlike wild-type frontosas, this morph was developed in Germany through selective breeding for its unique pigmentation. It shares the same robust body shape, slow growth rate, and peaceful yet hierarchical temperament typical of the species. Reaching up to 35 cm in size and living over 15 years, it thrives in large aquariums with subdued lighting, which enhances its dramatic appearance, making it a prized centrepiece in the hobby.

Please Note: Livestock and Live Plants cannot be shipped to WA and TAS due to State Restrictions. All other states are OK.

Features of Frontosa Blach Widow German Cichlid:

• Striking Colouration: Displays a dark, velvety body with irregular black blotches or faded vertical bars, resembling the dark markings of a black widow spiderhence the name.

• Line-Bred Morph: Not found in the wild; this variant was selectively bred in Germany for its unique pigmentation, making it a designer or boutique strain of Cyphotilapia frontosa.

• Body Shape: Thick, robust body with a high back profile. Mature males develop a prominent nuchal hump on the forehead, more pronounced with age.

• Dorsal Fin: Long, sweeping dorsal fin with dark edging, often enhanced by the black body tone.

• Eye Colour: Typically features bold, deep-set eyes that appear more intense against the dark facial area.

• Size: Grows up to 3035 cm in captivity under optimal conditions. Males are usually larger than females.

• Growth Rate: Slow-growing species that can take several years to reach full size and sexual maturity.

• Lifespan: Can live 15 years or more with proper care and water quality.

• Temperament: Peaceful for a cichlid of its size, but maintains a clear social hierarchy within groups. Best kept in a species group or with other robust, slow-moving cichlids.

• Swimming Behaviour: Slow, deliberate swimmer that prefers the lower to middle regions of the tank, especially in rock-sheltered environments.

• Lighting Response: Colours appear deepest under subdued lighting, which enhances its shadowy contrast and gives the fish its dramatic appearance.

Frontosa Burundi Cichlid: Care, Diet and Tank Mates

The Best Aquarium Size for Frontosa Cichlid:

The Frontosa Cichlid is a big, slow-moving fish that swims around all of the tanks and requires a very large aquarium. The minimum tank size is 300L. It’s always highly recommended to consider a larger aquarium.

After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse Aquarium Tank Selection here.

Frontosa Cichlid Tank Mate Compatibility:

Frontosas get along well with other calm African cichlids enjoy similar water conditions. But it’s better to keep them in groups of 5 or 6. Possible tank mates you can consider are:

• Medium to large Rift Lake Cichlid
• Large Rainbowfish
• Cuckoo Catfish

Frontosa Cichlid Food :

Frontosa cichlids require a lot of protein to meet their dietary requirements. Some essential protein sources include live and dead fish, chopped shellfish, worms, shrimps, bloodworms, micro worms, and other animal-based food. Some good commerical food brands for this fish:

• Hikari Cichlid Fish Food
• OSI Cichlid Premier Pellets (M)
• Fish Fuel Frozen Cichlid Food
• Bloodworms
• Dried blackworms
• Brine Shrimp

You can search more Frontosa Burundi Cichlid food in our High Quality Fish Foods collections.

Frontosa Cichlid Tank Setup:

Aquarium Filtration

Frontosa cichlids are very sensitive to water parameters and purity, so we advise that you get an efficient high powdered canister filter. Here are some great brands to consider:

• Aqua One Internal Filters, Canister Filters, Hang On Filters
• Eheim Classic Canister Filter with Media
• Fluval Internal Filter, Hang On Filter, Canister Filter
• Oase Internal Filters, Canister Filters

Aquarium Heater

The aquarium should be heated, depending on your areas climate. Install an aquarium heater if necessary.

Aquatic Plants

Frontosa Cichlid love to dig up the plants. Fill your tank with hardy plants like Anubias and java ferns. Orlive aquarium plants that attach to driftwood and rocks, or potted plants are recommended, like Anubias on Driftwood, Aquarium Plants in pot. Check our Live Aquarium Plants here.

Aquarium Decorations

Fill your tank with large caves and overhangs that your Frontosa can retreat to when the need arises. Remember that they are generally shy; hence, the hiding spots make them feel more secure. Ideal Ornaments for your tank:

• biOrb Ornaments Collections
• Aqua One Ornaments Collections
• Kazoo Ornaments Collections
• Bonsai Driftwood Collections
• Big Rocks and Coves are only avalibale in Coburg Aquarium physical store

Aquarium Substrate

Sand and fine gravel are good ones for them.

A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.