Coelotilapia joka
The adult males of Coelotilapia joka have dark gray stripes. The tail fin has gray-white points. The fish can grow up to 20 centimeters in the wild. In the aquarium, however, they hardly grow larger than 12 centimeters.
Synonym: Tilapia joka
Origin
Sierra Leone, Liberia.
The Aquarium
Although Coelotilapia joka are not very large, they need an aquarium of at least 1.40 meters. This is because they form a territory. The tank must also be furnished with sufficient hiding places such as driftwood and stones. The back and sides of the aquarium must be densely planted with sturdy plants. Provide floating plants that dim the light a bit and sufficient refreshment. These fish like clean and oxygen-rich water. It is advisable to change the water regularly.
Water parameters
Temperature: 25-27 degrees Celsius.
PH: 6-7.5
GH: 8-12
In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten their average lifespan.
Diet
You can feed them both strong live food and frozen food, vegetables should also not be missing. Supplement with flakes and granules.
Character
It is a calm, peaceful fish that can be kept with catfish and other peaceful West African cichlids. Males can sometimes be a bit aggressive towards their conspecifics.
Breeding Coelotilapia joka
Breeding Coelotilapia joka is relatively easy. Up to 400 eggs are laid in a hole and fertilized. The female has the brood care while the male guards the territory. After about nine days, the young swim freely; they can be reared with artemia-nauplii or finely crushed dry food.
Video
Author
Coby – Kevin
Copyright images
Timothy Verschelden
