African Butterfly Cichlid

Anomalochromis thomasi

African Butterfly Cichlid is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with African Butterfly Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 1–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 1–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

African Butterfly Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, African Butterfly Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Accepts quality small cichlid pellets supplemented with varied live and frozen foods.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Liberia Sierra Leone Guinea.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bolivian Ram Cichlid Mikrogeophagus altispinosus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4" (≤ 10.2 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does African Butterfly Cichlid get?

African Butterfly Cichlid reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does African Butterfly Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is African Butterfly Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. African Butterfly Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for African Butterfly Cichlid?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.