please help to identify a mystery freshwater aquarium fish

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I received these photos from a reader and and he asked to help identify the fish I will add all the comments below the pictures. Please use this form to send in your opinions. You can also send me photos of any fish you would like help with as well

Your comments:

From: Reiner
Date:09/16/02
Tilapia Buttikoferi from West Africa. It grows to about 15 inches

From: Brandy
Date:09/16/02

The Tilapia Buttikoferi pictured above belongs to me. I started researching information about this fish through local fish shops. I have just found out that this fish is illegal to have in Texas. I tried to get an explanation from several of the fish shops but all responses were the same. I was told I should kill the fish and be done with it. If Texas Parks and Wildlife found out that we have this fish, the fish could be taken (and killed) and we would be fined.

From: Ember
Date:01/22/03

Definitely buttikoferi...no doubt about . This fish can be aggressive but if given enough room and the right tankmate these beautiful can gow large and can live for quite a long time.

From: AikidoGuy
Date:01/27/03

Tilapia Buttikoferi, hails from Western Africa. The species doesn't require the same hard alkaline water has most Africans, it prefers the same water conditions as most S. American cichlids. Its impossible to visually sex them and both males and females can reach 16" In most cases the fish are very passive as juvis up until they reach 6"-8" and then they transform into the killers that they are known to be. They have the same temperament as A. Citrinellus (Midas) and require a large tank and when they reach adulthood tankmates are usually non existant.

From: Trish P.
Date:05/08/03

This fish is Tilapia Buttikoferi I have two of these currently in a 125 gallon. I am hoping I have a pair. I do realize that it is near to impossible to tell the sex. One of mine is 7 inches the other 6 inches. So yes their is still some room to grow. Am looking for more information on these fish.

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