How difficult is it to keep African butterfly cichlid?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for African butterfly cichlid?

The ideal temperature for African butterfly cichlid is 23〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does African butterfly cichlid get?

African butterfly cichlid typically reaches Up to 5 cm SL (6.5 cm TL recorded) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed African butterfly cichlid?

African butterfly cichlid feeds on: Omnivore (prepared, frozen and live foods). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for African butterfly cichlid?

The price of African butterfly cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

African butterfly cichlid

Beginner

Anomalochromis thomasi

A small cichlid from West African forest streams. Adults show black blotches and blue-spangled scales; unusually peaceful for a cichlid, tolerant of water chemistry, and spawns in pairs on flat stones.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

23〜27℃

Size

Up to 5 cm SL (6.5 cm TL recorded)

Diet

Omnivore (prepared, frozen and live foods)

About

Anomalochromis thomasi is the only species in its genus and occurs in coastal rivers from the Konkouré (Guinea) to the St. John (Liberia). FishBase gives 5 cm standard length, with a maximum recorded total length of 6.5 cm. It lives in shallow, muddy savannah waters and streams bordering forest, and may hide in mud when disturbed. Juveniles look plain, but settled adults show clear black blotches and blue spangling. Peaceful for a cichlid and rarely digs, it suits planted tanks, tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water, and is regarded as a good first West African dwarf cichlid. Pairs spawn on flat stones or broad leaves, then move the hatched larvae into pits they have dug. It is a regular in Japanese specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the African butterfly cichlid

The African butterfly cichlid grows to Up to 5 cm SL (6.5 cm TL recorded).

Temperature & humidity for the African butterfly cichlid

The ideal temperature for the African butterfly cichlid is 23〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

West Africa (coastal rivers of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia)

Size

Up to 5 cm SL (6.5 cm TL recorded)

Temperature

23〜27℃

Diet

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Anomalochromis thomasi (Boulenger, 1915)

Synonyms: Haplochromis thomasi (Boulenger, 1915), Hemichromis thomasi (Boulenger, 1915), Paratilapia thomasi Boulenger, 1915, Pelmatochromis thomasi (Boulenger, 1915)

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.