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
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Substrate spawner · Easy
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Coastal rivers and streams of tropical West Africa from Guinea-Bissau to Liberia.
Overview
The zebra tilapia is a large, aggressive cichlid from West Africa, smart and interactive but too big and pushy for a community tank. It is best with a little experience.
Did you know
The zebra tilapia is sold as a cute striped juvenile, but it can reach the length of a dinner plate. It often ends up rehomed once owners see how big and bossy it gets.
Caring for the zebra tilapia
Give a zebra tilapia a tank of at least 159 gal (600 L). It swims in the middle of the water. It is very hardy and flexible about water, within 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.8. Feed a varied omnivore diet of pellets, vegetables and frozen foods.
The zebra tilapia is aggressive, so keep it alone or with equally tough tank mates. Choose any tank mates with caution.
It is a substrate spawner. A pair lays its eggs on a cleaned surface, and both parents defend them. Breeding it is easy.
Good to know
The zebra tilapia was formerly placed in Tilapia and now sits in the genus Heterotilapia, in the family Cichlidae. It is a boldly striped cichlid, with black and white vertical bands that fade and brighten with its mood. Young fish show crisp zebra stripes that often blur into a darker pattern as they age.
In the wild
The zebra tilapia comes from coastal rivers and streams of tropical West Africa, from Guinea-Bissau to Liberia. In the wild it eats a broad mix of plants, algae and small animals.
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.
What does a zebra tilapia eat?
A zebra tilapia eats a varied omnivore diet. Offer pellets, vegetables and frozen foods.
How big does a zebra tilapia get?
An adult zebra tilapia reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).
How does a zebra tilapia breed?
A zebra tilapia pair lays its eggs on a cleaned surface, and both parents guard them. It is easy to breed.
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