Buttikoferi

 

fish description – Buttikoferi Cichlid Care Guide ($Heterotilapia\ buttikoferi$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Heterotilapia\ buttikoferi$ (formerly $Tilapia\ buttikoferi$)
Common Name	Buttikoferi Cichlid, Zebra Tilapia, Zebra Cichlid
Origin	Rivers and coastal areas of West Africa (Liberia, Guinea-Bissau)
Adult Size	10–12 inches (25–30 cm) (Can reach 15+ inches in large systems)
Temperament	Highly Aggressive, Extremely Territorial, Intolerant of conspecifics
Lifespan	10–15 years
Care Level	Advanced (due to extreme aggression and size)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A massive, deep-bodied cichlid with a thick build. Juveniles display very bold, high-contrast black and cream/yellow vertical bars (zebra pattern). These stripes typically fade or become mottled as the fish matures, especially when dominant.
• Coloration: White/yellow base with 7–9 thick black vertical bars. Sexing is generally impossible by external visual traits; males and females look identical (monomorphic) but will form monogamous pairs.
• Fins: Large, proportional fins.
• Behavior: Extremely aggressive and highly territorial, often considered one of the most aggressive fish available in the hobby. They are active diggers and will rearrange the substrate and decor to create spawning pits and territories. They produce a high amount of waste.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (280 liters) is the absolute minimum for a single fish. 90 gallons or larger is recommended, with a minimum of 125 gallons for a compatible pair or if attempting to keep with other fish.
• Schooling: Best kept solitary (species-only tank). If kept as a pair, they must be monitored closely for aggression.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (stability is important).
• pH Level: Neutral to slightly alkaline: 6.5 to 7.5. They are extremely hardy but their size and diet require powerful filtration and large, frequent water changes (30–50% weekly) to control the high bioload.
• Aquascape: Requires a sand or fine gravel substrate (as they dig). Decorate with heavy, securely anchored rocks, caves, and large driftwood pieces to provide shelter and establish boundaries. Avoid live plants as they will be dug up or eaten. All equipment (heaters, filters) must be protected or placed outside the tank.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Buttikoferi Cichlid is a large, opportunistic omnivore that leans toward a plant-heavy diet in the wild.

• Staple Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks as the primary staple.
• Supplementation: A varied diet including both animal protein and vegetables is required. Offer live or frozen foods (shrimp, earthworms, crickets) and ample blanched vegetables (zucchini, lettuce, spinach) regularly. They should receive vegetable matter to mimic their natural diet.
• Schedule: Feed once or twice daily in small portions that are consumed quickly.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Extremely aggressive and territorial. Best kept in a species-only tank. If tank mates are attempted, they must be large, robust, fast-moving, and equally aggressive cichlids that can defend themselves. Will attack and kill smaller or weaker fish.
• Good Tank Mates: Only suitable with the largest, most robust aggressive cichlids, such as large Oscars, Green Terrors, Jack Dempseys, Tinfoil Barbs, and large armored Catfish (e.g., Plecos over 12 inches). Tank mates are always a high risk.