Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – large cichlid pellets, earthworms, frozen shrimp, vegetables, feeder fish
Aquarium species profile
Buttikoferi Cichlid
Tilapia buttikoferi · Africa (West Africa — Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia)
Minimum tank100 gal
Adult size12"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentHighly Aggressive
Temperature72–82°F
pH range6.5–8.0
Compatible tank mates
Only very large, equally aggressive fish (large plecos, similar-sized robust cichlids)
Tank mates to avoid
Almost everything; will brutalize tankmates relentlessly
Care notes
Known as the 'Zebra Tilapia' for its bold black-and-white striped pattern. Extremely aggressive — often best kept alone or in species-only tanks. Incredibly hardy and easy to keep if given space. Can live 15+ years.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.