Species profile
Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis)
Anomalochromis thomasi
Peaceful
Easy care
80 L minimum aquarium
5–6.5 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
West African dwarf cichlid. Relatively peaceful, good in planted setups.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–27 °C
pH
6–7.2
GH
5–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1
Shy, mild cichlid best kept in a social group from which pairs can form. Breeding pairs defend a modest territory but are far less combative than jewel cichlids.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Anomalochromis thomasi
Alternative names
African Butterfly Cichlid, Thomas' Cichlid, Hemichromis thomasi
Native range
West African coastal drainages, including Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Natural habitat
Slow forest streams and quiet margins with leaf litter, roots and plant cover. Use subdued cover, fine substrate and gentle circulation.
Diet & feeding
Small benthic/generalist feeder; offer fine sinking pellets plus small frozen/live invertebrates and some plant-based material.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexes are similar; females are usually slightly smaller and become fuller when gravid, while males may show somewhat longer fins.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner. A pair cleans a stone, leaf or similar surface and both parents guard eggs and fry.