© Rene Beckmann / Public domainAfrican butterfly cichlid
Anomalochromis thomasi, the African butterfly cichlid, is a small cichlid from forest streams in West Africa. Adults show dark blotches along the flanks, set off by rows of shimmering blue scales. It stays compact, at up to 5 cm standard length, and is gentle by cichlid standards. It is not fussy about water conditions, which makes it a good first cichlid for beginners. When it breeds, a pair lays eggs on a flat stone, giving you a close look at classic cichlid family life.
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Apply as a breederAfrican butterfly cichlid key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Few reliable data
- Size
- Up to 5 cm SL (6.5 cm TL recorded)
- Temperature
- 23〜27℃
- Diet
- Omnivore (prepared, frozen and live foods)
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 23-27°C, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-12 dH (FishBase). Tolerant of a wide range and breeds in slightly acidic or slightly alkaline water.
- Aquarium
- Provide flat stones, driftwood and clay pots as cover. It does not dig up plants, so planted tanks suit it; single pairs have been bred in 60 cm tanks.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Peaceful but shy, so avoid boisterous species. Suitable companions include small characins, other West African dwarf cichlids, Corydoras and small anabantoids.
- Diet & Feeding
- Unfussy; use a quality cichlid pellet as the staple with regular frozen and live foods.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Lays eggs on flat stones or leaves; they hatch in about 48 hours. Larvae are moved into pits and swim freely about 3 days later, with parental care lasting around a month.
- Health & Cautions
- Juveniles are drab but colour up once settled. Growing on several young fish and letting pairs form naturally reduces problems.
About African butterfly cichlid
Small West African cichlid up to 5 cm, with black blotches and blue scales. Gentle, easy on water quality and beginner-friendly. Key facts before you buy.
7 things to know before welcoming a African butterfly cichlid
1Compact adult size
Standard length reaches up to 5 cm, with a recorded total length of 6.5 cm. It is easy to house because of its size, but a pair may defend its spot during spawning. Choosing a tank with some spare room makes it easier for fish to keep their distance from one another.
2Gentle, but choose tank mates
It is peaceful for a cichlid, but territorial behavior can become stronger during spawning. If you keep it with other fish, choose calm species of a similar size. Provide plenty of hiding places and adjust based on how the fish behave.
3Tolerant of water conditions
This species is not fussy about water quality and is rated as beginner-friendly. It is still a tropical fish, so a heater to keep the temperature steady is essential. Acclimate new fish carefully and keep the water clean with regular water changes.
4Flat stones and hiding spots
Eggs are laid on flat stones, so adding a smooth flat rock makes breeding behavior easier to watch. Since the species comes from forest streams, a layout with driftwood and plants that create shade suits it well. Hiding spots also help the fish feel settled.
5Pairing and breeding
Once paired, the fish lay their eggs on a flat stone. If you hope for a pair, one approach is to start with several young fish and wait for a compatible pair to form as they grow. Other fish may get chased by the pair, so make sure there are places to retreat.
6Feeding and daily care
As a small cichlid, it needs food sized to fit its mouth. Flakes or small granules can form the base of the diet, with frozen foods added for variety. Uneaten food fouls the water, so feed small amounts at a time and avoid leftovers.
7Checks at pickup and lifespan
There is little reliable information on its lifespan, so no firm estimate can be given. When you receive the fish, check that the fins are intact, the body surface looks normal, and it swims actively and eats. If anything is unclear, ask the seller about the rearing environment and the foods used.
Frequently asked questions about African butterfly cichlid
- Q.Can beginners keep this fish?
- A.Yes, it is rated as beginner-friendly because it is gentle and not fussy about water quality. The basics still matter, though: careful acclimation, regular water changes and stable temperature control.
- Q.How large does it get?
- A.Standard length reaches up to 5 cm, and a total length of 6.5 cm has been recorded. It is a small cichlid, but a tank with some spare room helps when a pair is breeding.
- Q.Can it live with other fish?
- A.It is peaceful for a cichlid, but it can become territorial during spawning. Choose calm fish of a similar size, provide plenty of hiding places and watch how they get along.
- Q.Can I breed it at home?
- A.Yes, a pair lays eggs on a flat stone, so placing a smooth flat rock in the tank gives them a spawning site. Whether a pair forms depends on how well the individual fish get along.
- Q.How long does it live?
- A.There is little reliable information on its lifespan, so no firm figure can be given. Plan for a long-term commitment by keeping water quality and temperature stable and watching for changes in the fish each day.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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