Zebra Tilapia
Heterotilapia buttikoferi
Animals on display may vary.
Diet
Zebra Tilapia are omnivores, eating snails, insects, worms, small fish and plant matter.
Average lifespan
Around 10 to 15 years in human care.
Size
Adults commonly reach 25 to 30 centimetres (10 to 12 inches), with large individuals growing up to around 40 centimetres (16 inches).
Weight
Adults typically weigh up to around 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds).
About
Zebra Tilapia are native to coastal rivers and streams of West Africa, from Guinea-Bissau to Liberia, where they live among rocks, fallen wood and roots. You can meet them at Reptilia Whitby and London. They’re a type of cichlid, and their bold black-and-cream bands make them one of the most striking tilapia species.
Size and behavior
Zebra Tilapia have a deep, powerful body marked with wide dark bars on a pale cream background, a thick-lipped mouth and amber eyes. Their stripes can darken or fade depending on their mood. They are strong, confident fish and can be very territorial, especially when guarding a spawning site.
Diet and nutrition
In the wild they forage along the bottom and among rocks for snails, insects, worms and small fish, along with some plant material. At Reptilia they are fed a varied diet of high-quality fish food, protein-rich foods and greens.
Tropical Rivers & Lakes
More animals to meet
Conservation status
Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. They are relatively widespread in their range, but like many West African freshwater fish they can be affected by habitat loss, pollution and mining in local rivers.
Fun fact
Zebra Tilapia are dedicated parents. Pairs clean a flat rock to lay their eggs on, then both guard the eggs and young fiercely, chasing off fish much larger than themselves.
Common Name: Zebra Tilapia
Also known as: N/A
Visit in person
Animals on display vary by location and may change from day to day.