Zebra tilapia
Heterotilapia buttikoferi
Also known as Tilapia buttikoferi, Heterotilapia buettikoferi, Zebra cichlid, Buttikoferi
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–82°F
- 23–28°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Adult size
- 11.8 in
- 30 cm
- Minimum tank
- 159 gal
- 600 L
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Easy
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Coastal rivers and streams of tropical West Africa from Guinea-Bissau to Liberia.
Overview
This is a large, aggressive fish that needs a tank of at least 600 liters, ideally kept alone or with equally tough tankmates. Water is flexible around 23 to 28 C and pH 6.5 to 7.8, since it is very hardy. Feed a varied omnivore diet of pellets, vegetables and frozen foods. It is smart and interactive but too big and pushy for a community tank.
In the wild
The zebra tilapia comes from rivers and streams in tropical West Africa. It is a big, boldly striped cichlid marked with black and white vertical bands that fade and brighten with its mood. In the wild it eats a broad mix of plants, algae and small animals.
Good to know
Formerly placed in Tilapia, this fish now sits in the genus Heterotilapia. It is a biparental substrate spawner, laying eggs on a cleaned surface that both parents defend. Young fish show crisp zebra stripes that often blur into a darker pattern as they age.
Did you know
Sold as a cute striped juvenile, it can reach the length of a dinner plate and often ends up rehomed once owners see how big and bossy it gets.
Common questions
What size tank does a Zebra tilapia need?
A Zebra tilapia needs at least 159 gal (600 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Zebra tilapia need?
A Zebra tilapia is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.8.
How big does a Zebra tilapia get?
An adult Zebra tilapia reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).
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