Zebra Tilapia

With bold black vertical bars on a pale yellowish-white background, the zebra tilapia is one of the most strikingly patterned African cichlids. Although it looks small and cute when young, it grows up to 30 cm and with age turns into an extremely aggressive fish. It eats or uproots plants and constantly digs up the substrate. A compatible pair lays a few hundred eggs on a flat stone and guards its fry with determination; during this period it is dangerous to the other fish in the tank.

• At least 450 liters and 180 cm of length for a single adult or a pair.
• Large rocks that cannot topple, and roots; hard decor instead of plants.
• pH 6.5–8, a wide hardness range; a 30% water change every week and a very strong filter.
• Sand substrate; decor should be set directly on the glass bottom.

Omnivorous with a leaning toward plant matter. It is fed large cichlid granules, spirulina-based foods, vegetables (blanched zucchini, peas) and frozen shrimp.

Adults are very aggressive toward their own species and other fish. It preys on fish that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: Very robust large cichlids of its own size and big catfish; even in a large tank they must be watched closely.

Avoid: Small and medium-sized fish, shrimp, calm cichlids, planted layouts.