Cyphotilapia gibberosa

Cyphotilapia gibberosa is a separate species described in 2003 for populations long known as the southern forms of the frontosa. Its appearance is very similar to the frontosa: a pale background, thick black vertical bands and a forehead hump that grows with age. Forms sold in the trade as "Blue Zaire Moba," "Mpimbwe" and "Kipili" are generally attributed to this species; forms whose body and fins lean toward an intense blue are especially sought after. Telling the two species apart from the outside is a job for experts; for this reason they should not be mixed in the same group, and local forms should not be hybridized.

• At least 500 liters and a length of 180 cm or more for one male and 3–4 females.
• A few large, sturdy caves and a wide swimming area in the middle; dim or moderate light.
• Hard, alkaline and stable water (pH 8–9); a 25–30% water change every week.
• Since it lives in deep water, it is best if the temperature does not exceed 27°C; a strong filter is essential.

Carnivorous. A sinking granule for large cichlids should be the staple; vary it with mysis, krill and pieces of shrimp. Do not feed mammalian meat or live feeder fish. Because it eats slowly, do not make it compete for food with fast fish.

Calm and slow-moving; within the group the dominant male sets the hierarchy. The female broods the eggs in her mouth for about a month and releases large fry ready to swim. It grows slowly; maturity takes several years.

Good companions: adult Altolamprologus, large Synodontis species and calm Tanganyika fish too big to fit in its mouth.

Avoid: small fish and shrimp (they become prey), fast and aggressive species such as Tropheus and mbuna, a mixed group with frontosa.