Tilapia buttikoferi

Scientific name: Tilapia buttikoferi Hubrecht, 1881

Tilapia buttikoferi is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 25 cm (9.8 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 23–25°C (73–77°F) and a pH of 6.7–7.5. Native range: Western Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi.

Tilapia buttikoferi care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Aggressive
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
25 cm (9.8 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
23–25°C (73–77°F)
pH
6.7–7.5
Hardness
4–15 dGH (71–268 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11. Diagnosis: lower pharyngeal bone about as long as broad, and with anterior lamella shorter than toothed area; median pharyngeal teeth broadened when compared to the lateral teeth; 5-6 series of scales on cheeks; 4.5-6 scales between first dorsal fin spine and upper lateral line; dark vertical bars broader than lighter inter-spaces.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Tilapia buttikoferi
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
30.8
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.0; dH range: 15 - ? benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Lower reaches of coastal rivers from Guinea-Bissau (Geba and Corubal Rivers) to west Liberia (St. John River).
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More african cichlids

See all african cichlids

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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