A large growing, attractive, and extremely aggressive cichlid found throughout much of West Africa, the Zebra Tilapia or Buttikoferi Cichlid is both a popular aquarium fish in the US and a food fish in many other countries. Like most of its relatives, the species is incredibly hardy and will survive in a broad range of water conditions, but prefers slightly alkaline water with temperatures in the middle range of tropical. Zebra Tilapia are fiercely territorial, especially as adults, and finding any tankmates they will be compatible with is a challenge. They are best kept singly or as a pair, although they may tolerate some large, robust dither fish like larger barbs.
Zebra Tilapia (Tilapia buttikoferi)
Origin: Aquacultured Asia
Diet: Carnivore and predator, will accept nearly any prepared or frozen foods in the aquarium
Adult Size: 11″
Recommended Tank Size: 90 gallons
Compatibility: Extremely aggressive as adults, best kept in a species tank or with similarly sized aggressive fish
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 6.8 – 8.0
Temp: 76-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm
A large growing, attractive, and extremely aggressive cichlid found throughout much of West Africa, the Zebra Tilapia or Buttikoferi Cichlid is both a popular aquarium fish in the US and a food fish in many other countries. Like most of its relatives, the species is incredibly hardy and will survive in a broad range of water conditions, but prefers slightly alkaline water with temperatures in the middle range of tropical. Zebra Tilapia are fiercely territorial, especially as adults, and finding any tankmates they will be compatible with is a challenge. They are best kept singly or as a pair, although they may tolerate some large, robust dither fish like larger barbs.
Zebra Tilapia (Tilapia buttikoferi)
Origin: Aquacultured Asia
Diet: Carnivore and predator, will accept nearly any prepared or frozen foods in the aquarium
Adult Size: 11″
Recommended Tank Size: 90 gallons
Compatibility: Extremely aggressive as adults, best kept in a species tank or with similarly sized aggressive fish
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 6.8 – 8.0
Temp: 76-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm