All fish / Cichlidae

African butterfly cichlid

Anomalochromis thomasi

Also known as butterfly cichlid, thomasi cichlid, dwarf african butterfly cichlid, thomas's dwarf cichlid, african butterfly, pelmatochromis thomasi, hemichromis thomasi, アノマロクロミス・トーマシー, 蝴蝶短鲷, 非洲蝴蝶

This small West African cichlid has a pale, deep body marked with dark blotches and bars, rows of iridescent blue spots and red-edged fins. It is kept because it is hardy, colourful and far more peaceful than most cichlids, so it suits a planted community tank with caves and soft lighting.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in a larger tank

Diet

Omnivore: quality pellets and flakes, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa

Breeding

Pairs form readily and lay eggs on a flat stone or broad leaf, and both parents guard the eggs and free-swimming fry. Breeding is fairly easy in soft, slightly acidic water, and the fry take newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

Pairs become territorial while spawning, so give enough space and hiding places for tankmates. Avoid keeping it with large or aggressive cichlids that will bully it.