Not furry, but we like them anyway.
African Butterfly Cichlid
Anomalochromis thomasi (Boulenger, 1915)
Also called Afrikanischer Schmetterlingsbuntbarsch
From West Africa: forest streams and coastal rivers of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, from the Konkoure to the St. John River.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small, deep-bodied dwarf cichlid
A small, rounded cichlid whose pattern and colours shift with mood; drab youngsters mature into pretty, spotted adults.2
Personality what they are like
Gentle and retiring; it only becomes protective while guarding eggs.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A calm fish that spends much of its time near the bottom among plants and cover.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Offer shade, plants and soft substrate; it is relaxed about water chemistry.21
Home where they are happiest
Tropical water of about 23 to 27 C, pH roughly 5.5 to 8 and up to about 12-15 dGH, in a tank with a base of at least 80 x 30 cm for a small group.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unfussy; quality cichlid pellets plus live and frozen foods.2
Company who they like around
Best in a small group or pair with small characins, Corydoras, other West African dwarf cichlids and small anabantoids.2
The story where it all began
George Boulenger described the species in 1915. Its genus name refers to an unusual lateral-line canal on the head, and the species name is reported to honour the anthropologist Northcote W. Thomas.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
When frightened in the wild it can bury itself in mud, sometimes up to 30 cm deep.1
- 2
Its genus name refers to an unusual sensory canal running between the gill cover and jaw.2
- 3
A pair can lay up to around 500 eggs, and the fry swim freely after about five days.2
- 4
Its home waters can warm to nearly 30 C in the dry season.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 31 December 2019)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Boulenger in 1915; only species in Anomalochromis1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a African Butterfly Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my African Butterfly Cichlid?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Adjust based on your fish's appetite and the food label, and ask your vet if unsure.2 Furry Diary plan
What does an African Butterfly Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats quality cichlid pellets plus live and frozen foods. Never feed anything not listed in the facts, and avoid overfeeding. For specific amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.2
How much space does an African Butterfly Cichlid need?
A tank with a base of at least 80 x 30 cm is recommended for a small group. This gives them enough room to explore near the bottom among plants and cover.21
What temperature, light or water does an African Butterfly Cichlid need?
Keep tropical water at 23 to 27°C, pH roughly 5.5 to 8, and hardness up to about 12-15 dGH. Offer shade and plants; it is relaxed about water chemistry. Check temperature daily and test water weekly as per Furry Diary's plan.21 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean an African Butterfly Cichlid's home?
Change about 25% of the water weekly, and clean the glass weekly. Rinse the filter in old tank water monthly, never tap water. This keeps their home healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can an African Butterfly Cichlid live with others?
Yes, it is gentle and retiring, best in a small group or pair with small characins, Corydoras, other West African dwarf cichlids, and small anabantoids. It only becomes protective while guarding eggs.2
How long does an African Butterfly Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Can I handle an African Butterfly Cichlid?
It is best not to handle this fish; it is a calm, retiring species that prefers to stay near the bottom among plants. Handling can stress it. Use a net only when necessary.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Anomalochromis thomasi fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, habitat behaviour
- Seriously Fish: Anomalochromis thomasi seriouslyfish.comused for size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, etymology, breeding
- Wikipedia: Anomalochromis en.wikipedia.orgused for size, distribution, habitat
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.