African Butterfly Cichlid Care Guide
The African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi), also known as the African butterfly krib, is a peaceful and colourful freshwater fish popular in the UK. Known for its shimmering body and delicate finnage, it's one of the gentler African cichlids available to aquarists.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about African Butterfly Cichlid care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about African Butterfly Cichlids
African butterfly cichlids are small West African cichlids known for their iridescent scales and relatively calm temperament compared to many other cichlid species.
They are often recommended for aquarists looking for a peaceful cichlid option.
Anomalochromis thomasi
6-8 cm
West Africa (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea)
75L (20gal)
5-8 years
Peaceful to semi-aggressive during breeding
23-27°C
Omnivore (pellets, flakes, frozen, live foods)
6.0-7.5
£5-£12 per fish
How Many African Butterfly Cichlids Should You Keep?
African butterfly cichlids are best kept as a pair or small group.
- A bonded pair works well in most aquariums
- Small groups can be kept in larger tanks
- Provide plenty of hiding spaces and territories
- During breeding, they may become territorial.
Keeping too many in small tanks can lead to:
- Stress
- Territorial disputes
- Chasing behaviour
Ideal Tank Conditions for African Butterfly Cichlids
Providing the right environment helps them display natural behaviour and breeding colours.
- Tank Setup: Peaceful planted aquarium with hiding spaces
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
- Plants & Decor: Driftwood, caves, rocks, and planted areas
- Water Conditions: Slightly acidic to neutral water preferred
- Filtration & Flow: Gentle to moderate flow with good filtration
- Lighting: Moderate lighting
A calm environment helps reduce stress.
Compatibility with Other Fish
African butterfly cichlids are relatively peaceful and suitable for community aquariums.
- Good Tankmates: tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, small rainbowfish, and peaceful West African species
- Avoid: aggressive cichlids and fin-nipping species
They are generally tolerant of similarly sized peaceful fish.
Are African Butterfly Cichlids Easy to Care For?
African butterfly cichlids are easy to moderately easy to care for and suitable for beginners interested in cichlids.
They require:
- Stable water quality
- A peaceful setup
- Proper territories
- A varied diet
They are hardy and adaptable when well cared for.
African Butterfly Cichlid Price in the UK
In the UK, African butterfly cichlids typically cost between £5-£12 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and colour quality
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
Breeding pairs may cost more.
Where to Buy African Butterfly Cichlids in the UK
African butterfly cichlids are available in UK aquarium shops and from specialist hobbyists.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow you to assess health and compatibility
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell African Butterfly Cichlids?
Yes - African butterfly cichlids are often bred and sold by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with responsible aquarists
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding African Butterfly Cichlids
African butterfly cichlids are omnivorous and easy to feed.
Key Tips:
- Feed high-quality flakes or cichlid pellets
- Supplement with frozen or live foods (e.g. bloodworms, brine shrimp)
- Include some vegetable matter
- Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily
A varied diet supports colour and breeding condition.
Common Problems with African Butterfly Cichlids
Territorial aggression during breeding, often caused by:
- Insufficient space
- Lack of hiding places
Faded colours or poor condition, linked to:
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Poor water quality
Stress, caused by:
- Aggressive tankmates
- Overcrowding
Why African Butterfly Cichlids Are So Popular
- Peaceful for a cichlid species
- Beautiful iridescent coloration
- Suitable for planted aquariums
- Interesting breeding behaviour
- Beginner-friendly cichlid option
When kept correctly, African butterfly cichlids add colour, personality, and fascinating behaviour to community aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are generally peaceful, though territorial when breeding.
Yes, with peaceful similarly sized fish.
Typically 6-8 cm in captivity.
At least 75 litres, with more space preferred for pairs or groups.
Looking to Buy or Sell African Butterfly Cichlids Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're adding peaceful cichlids to your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.