Buttikoferi Cichlid

Quite clearly, the warrior among fish species, the Buttikoferi Cichlid is a force to reckon with. Soon, we’ll tell you why. Also known as Zebra Tilapia, it comes from the river systems of Western Africa. The coloration of this fish is a series of black and white vertical stripes. Larger more oval shaped fish. Vertical black and white to yellowish bars from nose to tail. They can be a very attractive show fish. Very difficult to tell apart, they usually don’t have any distinguishable parts between the male and female. Males may tend to be larger in size.

Fighting Spirit! The Buttikoferi Cichlid is bestowed with more than its share of survival instincts. . Although it can be peaceful when young, as it grows, so does its disposition, which becomes very territorial. This fish will become aggressive towards smaller fish

Compatibility issues! Given its lack of sociable nature, it is important to keep the Buttikoferi Cichlid with similar-sized fish, or in a species tank. The ideal setup for the Buttikoferi Cichlid is a tank of at least 75 gallons with plenty of rocks for territories and a medium-sized gravel planted with hardy plants. What would be recommended is larger rocks with a nice darker gravel (helps with color) for the fish to dig around in. Larger pieces of driftwood would be great, if you could manage to get them. Live plants are not recommended because they would more then likely be uprooted and eaten. Not a shy fish so setting the tank up in high traffic areas or with brighter lights shouldn’t be a problem. Ideal tank mates include other aggressive African Cichlids and African Catfish of the genus Synodontis.

Breeding: Currently, the Buttikoferi Cichlid is being successfully bred in farms and aquariums. Like all Tilapia, these fish are mouth brooders. The female will carry the eggs in her mouth for a period of several weeks depending on the temperature, and then release the fry into the aquarium. Open water breeders that will lay eggs on a flat piece of rock or other solid foundation. Keep an eye on the breeding pair for any signs of aggression to the other mate.

Food: A variety of both meaty and vegetable-based foods. Live foods should be offered such as brine shrimp, earthworms, and mosquito larvae. A quality flake and tablet food containing vegetable matter should also be included in its diet.