ID MY AFRICAN PLEASE!!!

[bigdaddy]

Here are some pics if you can please tell me the type and M/F thanks

 

[Oddball]

Tilapia buttikoferi. Extremely aggressive. I've only been able to keep them in a species-only tank.

 

[bigdaddy]

So it would be a good idea to find him a new home? or should he be ok hes in a 125 gal

 

[Oddball]

I had to give my group of 6 their own 300 to cut down on some aggression. These fish get big at just under 16" adult size.

 

[spyke]

Tilapia buttikoferi...definately....

here's a pic of a big one...or ones at the STL zoo....sweet tank!

 

[bigdaddy]

That guy is HUGE lol definitely have to look into the 300 gal range next year. i hope he does ok untill then i like my mixed African breed tank..

 

[Oddball]

Didja happen to notice the hippo? The fish are in a huge tank yet, take note of how many have damaged fins. Including the full adult. Shows how aggressive they get.

 

[Pittbull]

Extremely aggressive it will more than likely kill your other fish even at a small size good luck with him/her..

 

[kayvaughan]

bottikoferi, i had one for a long time. he was a terror. They are much less aggressive at small sizes like yours, but when they get to about 10 inches or more they begin preparing to breed. they will rearange your tank substrate to resemble a mountain on one side and at this point they will kill anything else smaller than them. They are illegal in many states because they are catigorised as tilapia and states worry about them getting big, people releasing them, and they could survive (even strive) in many north american waterways. Id say try to get rid of him as he wont enjoy the high PH of your africans, and DONT release him if you find your LFS wont accept him. good luck.