Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

This species is generally peaceful and retiring, making it one of the most docile dwarf cichlids suitable for community aquariums. They do not dig extensively in the substrate or damage live plants, unlike many larger cichlids. However, they will establish small territories, and their behavior becomes significantly more aggressive and protective when breeding. Outside of spawning periods, they are shy and may hide if kept with overly energetic or boisterous fish.

Diet

Omnivore

Anomalochromis thomasi is a carnivorous micro-predator that feeds on small invertebrates, insects, and snails in the wild. In the aquarium, they are not picky eaters and will readily accept high-quality dry pellets, flakes, and freeze-dried foods. Supplementing their diet with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia is highly recommended to enhance their coloration and condition. They are also known to eat small pest snails, which can help control snail populations in the tank.

Life expectancy

5-8 years

Under optimal aquarium care, the African Butterfly Cichlid typically has a lifespan of 5 to 8 years. Providing stable water conditions, low nitrate levels, and a high-quality, varied diet is crucial to achieving their maximum life expectancy. Stress from aggressive tank mates or sub-optimal parameters can significantly shorten their lifespan. Consistent maintenance and keeping them in compatible groups or pairs will ensure they remain healthy and active for many years.

Sex ratio

ONE_TO_ONE

These dwarf cichlids are monogamous and form strong, long-lasting pair bonds, making a 1:1 male-to-female ratio the ideal stocking choice. Buying a group of six or more juveniles is the most effective way to allow them to select their own partners naturally. Once a compatible pair has formed, they will establish a territory and should ideally be kept together. Keeping multiple pairs is possible but requires a much larger aquarium with plenty of visual barriers to prevent conflict.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

It is recommended to feed the African Butterfly Cichlid once or twice a day with small portions that they can completely consume within a couple of minutes. Providing small, frequent meals helps mimic their natural foraging behavior and prevents water quality degradation from uneaten food. Fasting them for one day a week can also support healthy digestion and keep their activity levels high. For breeding pairs or growing juveniles, multiple small feedings throughout the day can support their higher energy demands.

Bioload

Low to Medium

Anomalochromis thomasi has a relatively low to moderate biological load due to its small adult size of approximately 6 to 7 centimeters. However, like all dwarf cichlids, they are sensitive to accumulating organic waste, nitrates, and sudden shifts in water parameters. Efficient biological filtration and a regular maintenance schedule of partial water changes are essential to keep their environment clean. It is recommended to avoid heavy feeding that could overwhelm the biological filter.

Flow

Stagnant

This species prefers gentle to moderate water flow, reflecting their native slow-moving coastal streams, rivers, and swampy forest pools. High-output filters or strong powerheads that create rapid currents should be avoided, as they can cause physical stress to these dwarf cichlids. A simple air-operated sponge filter or a hang-on-back filter with adjustable flow is ideal for their setup. Gentle water movement is sufficient to maintain proper oxygenation and filtration without blowing the fish around.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

Anomalochromis thomasi is an open-substrate spawner that is relatively easy to breed in captivity. The female will carefully clean a flat stone, driftwood, or a broad plant leaf where she lays up to 500 eggs, which the male then fertilizes. Both parents are highly dedicated and share the duties of guarding the eggs, fanning them with their fins, and moving the hatched larvae to pre-dug pits in the substrate. The fry hatch in about 48 hours and become free-swimming in another 72 hours, after which they can be fed microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility & tankmates

The African Butterfly Cichlid is highly compatible with other peaceful, small to medium-sized species in a community tank. Ideal tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, barbs, Corydoras catfish, and other non-aggressive West African dwarf cichlids. They should not be kept with large, aggressive, or overly boisterous fish that might easily intimidate them. During spawning, they will defend their territory vigorously, so providing enough space and visual barriers is important if keeping them with other bottom dwellers.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

The African Butterfly Cichlid primarily occupies the bottom and middle levels of the aquarium. They actively swim in the open areas of the lower half of the tank, search the substrate for food, and rest near shelter. When breeding, they will stay very close to the bottom where they clean flat rocks or broad leaves for spawning. The upper level of the tank is rarely visited unless they are feeding or searching for shelter near floating plants.