African Butterfly Cichlid Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The African Butterfly Cichlid is a compact, attractively patterned West African cichlid with a silvery to golden-brown body, dark vertical bars and iridescent blue-green markings on the face and fins. Its common name reflects the delicate, butterfly-like patterning created by the contrast between its scales and fin markings.

Despite its modest size, this species has the alert, expressive behaviour associated with many cichlids. It explores the lower and middle parts of the aquarium, investigates objects in its surroundings and often develops a strong bond with a mate. Outside breeding, it is generally much less disruptive than larger African cichlids.

In the wild, Anomalochromis thomasi inhabits slow-moving forest streams, tributaries and river margins. Leaf litter, submerged roots and overhanging plants create a subdued environment with plenty of cover, while sandy or fine-grained areas provide suitable places for searching for small food items.

Individuals can vary noticeably in colour and intensity, particularly when displaying to a mate or defending a spawning site. A compatible pair may become territorial during breeding, but this species is usually a good choice for a peaceful, carefully planned community aquarium.

The African Butterfly Cichlid, also known as Thomas’ Cichlid, comes from small forest streams and rivers in West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. These waterways are typically warm, soft to moderately hard, and shaded by dense vegetation.

Provide at least 75 litres for a pair, with a footprint of about 60 x 30 cm; a larger aquarium is preferable for a pair sharing the tank with community fish. Use fine sand or smooth gravel, rounded stones, driftwood, caves and sturdy plants to create cover and separate territories. Leave some open bottom area for foraging and place a few smooth, flat surfaces that can serve as spawning sites. Gentle to moderate filtration, subdued lighting and shaded areas help recreate the character of their forest-stream habitat.

Males reach about 8 cm (3.1 in), while females are usually slightly smaller at around 6–7 cm (2.4–2.8 in).

This omnivorous cichlid accepts quality micro pellets and small granules, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae. Occasional finely chopped earthworm or other suitably sized meaty foods can add variety, while a little vegetable matter may be taken incidentally. Offer small portions once or twice daily and remove uneaten food promptly.

African Butterfly Cichlids can live with peaceful West African tetras, larger peaceful rasboras, small barbs, hatchetfish, peaceful livebearers and suitably sized bottom-dwelling catfish or loaches. Tankmates should be calm enough not to intimidate them and should tolerate similar warm, slightly acidic to neutral water. Avoid large, boisterous or predatory fish, fin-nippers and aggressive African cichlids. A breeding pair will defend an area, so particularly small or timid tankmates may be unsuitable in a densely stocked aquarium.

African Butterfly Cichlids form pairs and are relatively straightforward substrate spawners. The female lays several hundred eggs on a smooth stone, piece of slate, or another cleaned surface, and both parents usually guard and fan the clutch. Hatching takes roughly two to three days, with the fry becoming free-swimming a few days later. Newly free-swimming fry can be fed infusoria or other microscopic foods before progressing to newly hatched baby brine shrimp. Young pairs may need several attempts before they successfully raise a brood.

Males are generally a little larger and may develop more extended dorsal and anal fins, stronger colour and a broader head. Females are typically smaller and rounder-bodied, especially when carrying eggs, although sexing young fish can be difficult.