African Butterfly Cichlid
Anomalochromis thomasi
Cichlidae
About
The African butterfly cichlid is a small, genuinely peaceful dwarf cichlid from the coastal rivers of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa. Marked with rows of iridescent blue-green spangles and dark bars that flush with mood, it forms devoted monogamous pairs and tends its fry as a diligent parent. Hardier and more forgiving than most dwarf cichlids, it makes an excellent community centrepiece and, unlike many cichlids, leaves plants and substrate largely undisturbed.
Care
Keep as a pair in a planted tank of 90 L or more with soft to neutral water, gentle flow and sandy substrate with caves for spawning. Peaceful and community-friendly; only mildly territorial when breeding.
Diet
Omnivore that grazes the substrate for small invertebrates and organics. Feed sinking pellets and flakes plus regular frozen or live bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (29)
Possible with care (68)
Avoid (24)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.