Heterotilapia buttikoferi, commonly known as the Zebra Tilapia, is a large, aggressive cichlid native to West Africa, known for its striking black and white striped pattern.
Overview
Heterotilapia buttikoferi, also known as the Zebra Tilapia or Buttikoferi Cichlid, is a large and robust freshwater fish native to the rivers and lakes of West Africa. This species is notable for its bold black and white striped pattern, which gives it a distinctive and striking appearance. Growing up to 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) in length, the Zebra Tilapia is a popular choice for experienced aquarists who can provide the necessary space and care to accommodate its size and temperament.
Tank Requirements
The Zebra Tilapia requires a spacious aquarium of at least 300 liters (80 gallons) due to its large size and active nature. The water temperature should be maintained between 22-28°C (72-82°F), with a pH level of 6.5-7.5 and a general hardness (GH) of 5-20. The tank should be equipped with a robust filtration system to handle the bioload of such a large fish. A sandy substrate with plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks and driftwood, is recommended, as well as some hardy plants that can tolerate their digging behavior.
Feeding and Diet
Zebra Tilapias are omnivorous and have a varied diet in the wild, consisting of plant material, invertebrates, and small fish. In captivity, they should be fed a diet that includes high-quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with fresh vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or earthworms. Feeding should be done once or twice daily, ensuring not to overfeed, as they are prone to obesity.
Care and Maintenance
The Zebra Tilapia is known for its aggressive and territorial behavior, especially as it matures. They require regular tank maintenance, including weekly water changes of 20-30% to maintain optimal water quality. It is essential to monitor water parameters regularly and maintain a clean substrate to prevent the accumulation of waste. Providing ample space and visual barriers in the tank can help reduce aggression and stress among tank mates.
Compatibility
Due to their aggressive nature, Zebra Tilapias are best kept either alone or with other large, robust fish that can withstand their territorial behavior. Suitable tank mates include other large cichlids, large catfish, or semi-aggressive fish that occupy different levels of the aquarium. It is important to avoid keeping them with smaller, more passive species, as they may become targets of aggression.
Breeding
Breeding Zebra Tilapias in captivity can be challenging due to their aggressive nature and specific water requirements. They are known to be substrate spawners, often choosing flat surfaces such as rocks or aquarium glass for egg-laying. To encourage breeding, it is advisable to maintain stable water conditions with a slightly higher temperature (around 26-28°C). The parents will guard the eggs and fry fiercely, so providing ample hiding spots for other tank mates is crucial to prevent conflicts. Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed with finely crushed flake food or specialized fry food.