Zebra cichlid - Tilapia buttikoferi
Scientific name: Tilapia buttikoferi
Common name: Zebra cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 28 - 31 cm (11.02 - 12.2 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.3
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 16°N (71.43 - 285.71ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Africa
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
Feed a varied diet of meaty and vegetable foods. Use a quality flake and vegetable based cichlid pellets, also treat with blood worms, brine shrimp, and chopped earth worms.
Origin
West Africa; Zebra cichlids are mostly found in Liberia.
Sexing
There are no visible differences between the sexes.
Breeding
Zebra cichlids are cave spawners so provide upturned plant pots or artificial caves to the breeding tank. The female will lay the eggs on the roof of the cave and tend for them while the male guards the territory. The eggs should hatch after 4-5 days and the fry will be free swimming 5-6 days later. At this stage they can be fed on newly hatched brine shr4imp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Tilapia buttikoferi is 10 years.
Short description
Tilapia buttikoferi need to be kept in an aquarium of at least 75 gallons. They are fairly easy to keep but do require large, regular water changes as they are high waste producers. The Zebra Cichlid may be aggressive to smaller tank mates, always keep this fish with similar sized ones.Also know as Buttikoferi.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.