African Butterfly Thomas's Cichlid Anomalochromis Thomasi - 5cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview
The African Butterfly Cichlid is a small, peaceful West African dwarf cichlid that shimmers with iridescent blue and gold spangling, a dark lateral spot and red-edged fins once settled. Shy at first, it becomes bold and interactive, and pairs make devoted parents. From forest streams of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, it suits planted community tanks and first-time cichlid keepers.
- Adult Size: Around 8 cm (3 in); males larger
- Lifespan: 5–7 years
Origin
- Native to: Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, West Africa
- Habitat: Shaded forest streams, tannin-stained with leaf litter
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Preferred Foods: Quality micro pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, spirulina flake
- Feeding Habits: Small feeds once or twice daily; varied live and frozen improves colour
Tank Mates
- Best with: Small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, peaceful gouramis
- Avoid: Large or boisterous cichlids; fin nippers
Aggression & Behaviour
- Temperament: Peaceful and rather shy
- Territoriality: Mild; only defensive around a spawning site
Experience Level
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Challenges: Dull juvenile colour; needs cover and calm tank mates
Water Parameters
- Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
- Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- Hardness: 1–15 dGH
- Flow: Slow to moderate
- Tank Size: Minimum 70 litres for a pair or small group
Final Notes
Juveniles look plain, so buy a small group and let a pair form naturally; the adult colour is well worth the wait. An easy substrate spawner, both parents guard the eggs and fry, and it does not dig up plants. Provide dim lighting, driftwood and leaf litter for a natural West African feel. Males grow larger with fainter black markings. A hidden gem among dwarf cichlids.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.