Tilapia bythobates, Temperment Options

[Katt66]

I'm thinking about getting a couple of these little fish to try and grow out a breeding pair to put in my 120 gallon aquarium. In there already are a school of eight Ptychochromis oligocanthus and various Catfish and Plecos. Will the Tilapias be too aggressive for my Ptychochromis? I've been doing really well with these guys and I don't want to stress them out with aggressive tankmates.

[Heather]

I think they'll do ok Kristen, especially if you start out with juvies and grow them out with everyone. I'm looking forward to Duane's input on this though, he has a pair that spawns regularly and knows much more about them than I

[duaneS]

Just saw this Heather, after I got your PM.

Mine lived in a 100 gal community with Ptychochromis oligacanthus, Stomatepia pindu and others. They held their own well, even with large fish, although in that size tank, were not lethal. The other fish learned to keep their distance when the bythos spawned. Keep protein down or they tend to bloat. The 4" bytho below was holding off an 8" Tomocichla asfraci.
The fry will eat pureed peas as a 1st food.

They show their best colors if after a pair forms, and you remove other bythos from the tank.

I think they'll do ok Kristen, especially if you start out with juvies and grow them out with everyone. I'm looking forward to Duane's input on this though, he has a pair that spawns regularly and knows much more about them than I

[Katt66]

Thanks for the info and gorgeous pics. I think I'm definitely going to give these guys a try.

[duaneS]

They are great fish,
something I found interesting about them, after the 1st spawning at a small size, they seemed to get a rapid growth spurt. This is contrary what is the normal Tilapia info (I believe). The male went from 3.5 or 4" in, to almost 7" in a month.
One other thing, when they spawned in a 100 or in a 150 gal tank there were no overt aggression issues. But the 1st time mine spawned it was in a 50 gal high, and I had to remove two, 7-10" Etroplus suratensis to keep them from being battered and pinned in a corner
In fact one day while cleaning algae off the glass,the female bytho jumped clear out of the tank after my hand protecting her young, trying to bite my finger mid leap.

Thanks for the info and gorgeous pics. I think I'm definitely going to give these guys a try.

[Heather]

Thanks for the info Duane!

[Heather]

Thanks for the info and gorgeous pics. I think I'm definitely going to give these guys a try.

Great.. good luck and keep us posted

[Ardan]

In fact one day while cleaning algae off the glass,the female bytho jumped clear out of the tank after my hand protecting her young, trying to bite my finger mid leap.

Now that is being protective!!
Great pics and info Duane!

Ardan

[neutrinoman]

You sure she wasn't just trying to shake hands?

[thevamp2173]

Can you give me more info regarding the tilapias? in our country they usually grow on fishponds I never thought they can also breed in an aquarium
Dentist Oxnard | Dental Irvine

I'm thinking about getting a couple of these little fish to try and grow out a breeding pair to put in my 120 gallon aquarium. In there already are a school of eight Ptychochromis oligocanthus and various Catfish and Plecos. Will the Tilapias be too aggressive for my Ptychochromis? I've been doing really well with these guys and I don't want to stress them out with aggressive tankmates.