African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

African Butterfly Cichlid

Quick facts

Scientific nameAnomalochromis thomasi
FamilyCichlidae
Also known asButterfly Cichlid, Dwarf Jewel Cichlid, Thomasi
Care levelEasy
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
DietOmnivore
Adult size3 in
Minimum tank size20 gallons
Water parametersTemp 73-81°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 3-12 dGH

Appearance

Small, gentle-looking cichlid with olive-tan body, several dark vertical bars, a row of iridescent blue-green speckles and red-edged fins that give a butterfly-like shimmer.

Difficulty and care for the African Butterfly Cichlid

Easy

Origin and habitat

Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea

Keeper notes

One of the most peaceful African cichlids; only mildly territorial when guarding a spawn. Excellent open-water community cichlid.

Log African Butterfly Cichlid in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track African Butterfly Cichlid alongside everything else in your reef.