Zaire Frontosas, or Moba Frontosas are a species of cichlid fish that are native to Africa. They are known for their striking blue and black coloration and large size, reaching up to 20 inches in length.
There are a few special requirements to consider when keeping Zaire Frontosas:
Overall, Zaire Frontosas are a beautiful and unique species of fish that can make a great addition to a large, well-maintained tank. With the right care, they can live for several years in captivity. However, due to their size and sensitivity they are not recommended for beginner fish keepers.
There are a few special requirements to consider when keeping Zaire Frontosas:
- Tank size: these fish can grow quite large, up to 20 inches in length with good food and water husbandry. A spacious tank is encouraged and even larger tanks are needed for groups of multiple fish.
- Water parameters: Zaire Frontosas require a specific range of water parameters in order to thrive. The water temperature should be between 75-78°F, the pH between 7.0-7.8, and the water hardness between 10-25 dH. Maintaining these parameters will help ensure the health and well-being of the fish.
- Filtration: A high-quality filtration system is essential. They are very sensitive to poor water conditions, making sure that your tank is fitted with a good filtration system will help keep the water clean and healthy.
- Diet: Relatively easy, Frontosas are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, pellets, flakes, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or chopped earthworms. Remember not to overfeed the fish.
- Tankmates: Territorial and aggressive, so it's important to choose tankmates carefully. It's generally better to keep them in a harem (one male with multiple females) or a group of all females.
- Wild caught fish: Wild caught fish can be captured with incorrect methods, causing irrecoverable damage to the fish. At Nlesblu, we only import captive-bred ones from renowned farms. We strongly encourage going for captive-bred ones due to their declining numbers and overfishing in the wild.
Overall, Zaire Frontosas are a beautiful and unique species of fish that can make a great addition to a large, well-maintained tank. With the right care, they can live for several years in captivity. However, due to their size and sensitivity they are not recommended for beginner fish keepers.