Description
Overview:
The African Butterfly Cichlid is a small, peaceful, and colorful dwarf cichlid ideal for planted community tanks. With its subtle iridescent greens, golds, and blues, accented by delicate spotting and red edging on the fins, Anomalochromis thomasi offers both beauty and charm without the aggression typical of many cichlids. Its gentle temperament and manageable size make it a perfect choice for hobbyists of all experience levels.
Origin:
Native to slow-moving streams and shallow waters in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia in West Africa. Found in leaf-littered habitats with soft, slightly acidic water and dense vegetation.
Feeding:
Omnivorous and easy to feed. Provide a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets or flakes, frozen/live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia, and plant-based foods for balance. They readily forage and pick at small particles in the substrate.
Tank Mates:
Very peaceful and community-friendly. Ideal tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, and peaceful gouramis. Also safe with shrimp in well-planted environments. Best kept as a pair or small group in a tank with plenty of cover.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
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pH: 6.0–7.2
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Soft to moderately hard water
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Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
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Prefers planted tanks with driftwood, leaf litter, and gentle filtration
Behavior & Personality:
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Peaceful, shy, and best kept in quiet setups
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Will form pairs and care for their young if breeding
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Curious and interactive once settled, often seen exploring lower tank zones
Breeding:
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Substrate spawner and attentive parent
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Both parents defend and fan the eggs and fry
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Easy to breed in soft, clean water with leaf litter or flat stones as a spawning site
Special Notes:
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Often overlooked due to its small size—a true hidden gem in the hobby
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Appreciates dim lighting and natural setups
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Excellent choice for nano aquariums and West African biotopes
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A great alternative to more common dwarf cichlids like Rams and Apistos
The African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi) is a peaceful, colorful, and easy-to-care-for dwarf cichlid, making it a standout in both beginner and expert freshwater collections. Perfect for those who want a beautiful, low-aggression cichlid with fascinating natural behaviors.
