Fin's Fish Guide
The African butterfly cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.
West Africa; shallow, muddy waters and calm parts of streams and rivers.
Description
The African butterfly cichlid is a small, colourful cichlid from West Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body with rows of glittering blue-green dots and a few dark crossbars. It prefers shallow, muddy waters in savanna-like areas and quiet parts of brooks and rivers. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus. It is a peaceful open-substratum spawner: the pair lays the eggs on a cleaned surface and both parents devotedly guard the brood. The species is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African butterfly cichlid?
The African butterfly cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Rows of glittering blue-green spots; peaceful open-substrate brooder with biparental parental care.
Where does the African butterfly cichlid live?
The African butterfly cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa; shallow, muddy waters and calm parts of streams and rivers.
How big does the African butterfly cichlid get?
The African butterfly cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the African butterfly cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the African butterfly cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African butterfly cichlid edible?
The African butterfly cichlid is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the African butterfly cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African butterfly cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.