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Tilapia buttikoferi, commonly known as the Zebra Cichlid, is a large and robust cichlid species native to West Africa. It is characterized by its striking black and white vertical banding, which can vary in intensity depending on the fish's mood and environment. These cichlids are known for their aggressive and territorial nature, especially during breeding, and can grow to a considerable size, making them unsuitable for most community aquariums.
Körperliche Merkmale
- Körperform
- compressed
- Färbung
- Adults display prominent black and white (or yellowish-white) vertical bands across their body, typically 6-8 bands. The intensity of these bands can change with mood, stress, or breeding activity. Fins are often dark with some banding or spotting. Juveniles may have less defined banding.
- Schuppentyp
- ctenoid
- Maulstellung
- terminal
- Besondere Merkmale
- Prominent black and white vertical banding, Large, robust body, Thick lips, Relatively large eyes, Can reach up to 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) in length
- Rückenflosse
- Long, continuous dorsal fin with spiny anterior rays and soft posterior rays. The spiny portion is typically longer than the soft-rayed portion.
- Schwanzflosse
- Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Brustflosse
- Well-developed, rounded pectoral fins.
- Auffällige Flossen
- Pelvic fins are pointed and often dark.
Bestimmungstipps
Coloration and Pattern
The most distinguishing feature is the bold, alternating black and white vertical bands covering the entire body. No other cichlid in its native range has such a distinct pattern.
Size
Its large adult size (up to 40 cm) helps differentiate it from smaller cichlid species.
Body Shape
Robust, deep-bodied, and laterally compressed, typical of many Tilapia species.
Lebensraum
- Wassertyp
- freshwater
- Tiefe
- Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters.
- Umgebung
- Inhabits rivers, streams, and associated floodplains. Prefers areas with rocky substrates, submerged wood, and dense vegetation, which provide cover and foraging opportunities. They are often found in areas with moderate to strong currents.
- Geografische Verbreitung
- Native to West Africa, specifically found in coastal rivers and lagoons of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. The type locality is Liberia.
Aquarieninformationen
- Pflegeaufwand: advanced
- Temperament: aggressive
- Ernährung: omnivore
- Mindestbeckengröße: 750 liters (200 gallons) for a single adult, larger for pairs or groups
- Temperatur: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH-Wert: 6.5-7.5
- Härte: 5-15 dGH
- Verträglichkeit: Best kept as a single specimen or a compatible pair in a very large, species-specific tank. Can be housed with other large, equally aggressive cichlids or robust catfish, but careful monitoring is essential.
- Besondere Anforderungen: Requires a very large aquarium with strong filtration due to its size and waste production. Provide plenty of robust hiding places and territories using rocks, driftwood, and sturdy artificial plants. Substrate should be sand or fine gravel, as they are known to dig extensively. Regular large water changes are crucial for maintaining water quality.
Informationen zum Wildbestand
- Erhaltungszustand: least concern
- Saisonalität: Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season in their natural habitat, but can occur year-round in captivity under suitable conditions.
- Marktpreis: Low (primarily ornamental, not a major food fish)
- Kommerzielle Bedeutung: low
- Geschmack: Not commonly consumed; information on taste is scarce.
- Textur: Not commonly consumed; information on texture is scarce.
- Nährwert: Not commonly consumed; information on nutritional value is scarce.
Wichtige Fakten
Aggressive Naturebehavior
Tilapia buttikoferi is renowned for its highly aggressive and territorial behavior, making it a challenging species for most aquarists.
Parental Carebehavior
Like many cichlids, T. buttikoferi exhibits strong biparental care, with both parents guarding eggs and fry fiercely.
Digging Habitsbehavior
These cichlids are avid diggers, often rearranging substrate and uprooting plants in their environment, a behavior that needs to be considered in aquarium setups.
Size Mattersinteresting
Reaching lengths of up to 40 cm, the Zebra Cichlid is one of the larger species within the genus Tilapia.
Sicherheitsinformationen
Vorsichtig behandeln- Sicherheitsstufe: caution
- Giftig: Nein
- Essbarkeit: not recommended
- Hinweise zum Umgang: While not venomous, Tilapia buttikoferi can inflict a painful bite due to its strong jaws and teeth, especially when stressed or defending territory/fry. Handle with extreme caution, preferably using a net, and avoid direct contact with hands. Their spiny dorsal and anal fins can also cause punctures.
Ähnliche Arten
Banded Tilapia
Tilapia mariae
While also banded, Tilapia mariae typically has fewer, broader bands and often a more greenish or brownish base coloration. The bands on T. buttikoferi are generally sharper and more contrasting black and white.
Black-chinned Tilapia
Sarotherodon melanotheron
Sarotherodon melanotheron lacks the prominent black and white banding of T. buttikoferi and typically has a more uniform greyish or brownish body color, often with a dark spot on the operculum.
Wissenschaftliche Klassifikation
- Reich
- Animalia
- Stamm
- Chordata
- Klasse
- Actinopterygii
- Ordnung
- Cichliformes
- Familie
- Cichlidae
- Gattung
- Tilapia
- Art
- buttikoferi
Zebra Cichlide entdecken
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