A peaceful, colorful dwarf cichlid from West Africa. Unlike many cichlids, it is plant-safe and generally suitable for community tanks. It is famous in the hobby as an efficient biological control for pest snails.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
The typical form found in shops. Often sold as juveniles. Can be kept in pairs or small groups in larger tanks. Excellent for clearing bladder snails.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Male
Slightly larger and may exhibit brighter spangling. Territorial during spawning.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Female
Slightly smaller and rounder, especially when carrying eggs. Often initiates spawning behaviors.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Top Tank Mates
Wrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
🟢Ideal Tank MatesJapanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
🟢Ideal Tank MatesLemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
🟢Ideal Tank MatesPenguin Tetra
Thayeria boehlkei
🟢Ideal Tank MatesDiamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
🟢Ideal Tank MatesEmperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
🟢Ideal Tank MatesAfrican Butterfly Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The African Butterfly Cichlid, scientifically known as Anomalochromis thomasi, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the African Butterfly Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the African Butterfly Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
African Butterfly Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the African Butterfly Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
African Butterfly Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the African Butterfly Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, snails will be treated as food rather than tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for African Butterfly Cichlid.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
African Butterfly Cichlid Feeding & Diet Considerations
The African Butterfly Cichlid actively feeds on snails and can be used as a natural snail population control and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed. Find quality African Butterfly Cichlid fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About African Butterfly Cichlid
How big does African Butterfly Cichlid get?
African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does African Butterfly Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for African Butterfly Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does African Butterfly Cichlid need?
African Butterfly Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–27°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is African Butterfly Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
African Butterfly Cichlid is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can African Butterfly Cichlid live alone?
Yes, African Butterfly Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Will African Butterfly Cichlid eat snails?
Yes. African Butterfly Cichlid actively feeds on snails. While this can be useful for controlling pest snail populations, it means decorative snails should not be housed with this species.
Does African Butterfly Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. African Butterfly Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), plants - densely covered, and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Similar Species
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
A vibrant and highly popular dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers of West Africa. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water and densely planted tanks. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but become fiercely territorial and aggressive when breeding, often digging pits in the substrate and claiming the bottom zone. They are cave spawners and require hiding spots like driftwood or coconut shells.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct spade-shaped tail and brilliant color morphs. They are bottom-dwelling micro-predators that sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they are highly territorial when breeding. They thrive in soft, acidic blackwater conditions.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
A highly popular and vibrant dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon basin. Named for the male's flamboyant, crest-like dorsal fin. They are cave-spawners that require a fine sand substrate (which they sift through their gills) and plenty of hiding spots. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become fiercely territorial when breeding.
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
A strikingly colorful dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin. Famous for its vibrant blue spangles and peaceful demeanor compared to larger cichlids. They are strictly thermophilic (require high temperatures of 27-30°C / 81-86°F) and thrive in soft, acidic water. As 'earth-eaters' (Mikrogeophagus), they sift sand for food and form monogamous pairs.