| Zebra Tilapia | |
|---|---|
| A Zebra Tilapia in an aquarium | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Tilapia |
| Species: | T. buttikoferi |
| Binomial name | |
| Tilapia buttikoferi Hubrecht, 1881 |
|
Tilapia buttikoferi (Also known as Zebra Tilapia) are a large African tilapiine cichlid fish that can be found mainly in West Africa, specifically Liberia. They are freshwater fish that tend to live in rivers and streams. People have imported and bred them throughout the world for both aquatic and nutritious purposes.
Tilapia buttikoferi are typically yellow or white with black stripes which can vary from very light to near black depending on the mood of the fish. Their stripes tend to fade as they age. It is a large cichlid, capable of growing up to 40 cm (15 inches).
Tilapia buttikoferi are extremely intelligent and aggressive aquarium fish. Aquarium owners find that they are very active and react to movements outside of the aquarium, including attempts to attack an "invader" through the glass of the tank. It is generally advised not to mix them with other fish, as they can be very aggressive, with few exceptions. They require tanks of at least 100 gallons, and temperatures of about 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. They love all foods, and need frequent water changes because they are such big eaters. Please note this fish is legal in Texas and Florida Now.