African Butterfly Cichlid

(1 customer review)

Last time this was in stock, it was £3.99

4-5 cm

Common Name: African Butterfly Cichlid

Latin name: Anomalochromis thomasi

Synonyms: Haplochromis thomasi, Pelmatochromis thomasi

Tank Bred: Yes. African Butterfly Cichlids are readily available in the aquarium trade and are often bred in captivity.

Distribution: The African Butterfly Cichlid is native to West Africa, specifically the Niger Delta region in Nigeria.

Max size: African Butterfly Cichlids can grow up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length.

Temperature range: The ideal temperature range for African Butterfly Cichlids is between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).

pH Range: The ideal pH range for African Butterfly Cichlids is between 6.0 to 7.5.

KH Range: African Butterfly Cichlids prefer soft to medium-hard water, with a KH range between 5 to 10 dKH.

Care level: African Butterfly Cichlids are relatively easy to care for, but they can be a bit delicate and require stable water conditions.

Lighting Preference: African Butterfly Cichlids do not have specific lighting requirements.

Suitable for planted tanks: African Butterfly Cichlids are not typically kept in planted tanks as they may uproot or damage plants.

Preferred food: African Butterfly Cichlids are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Behaviour: African Butterfly Cichlids are peaceful and social fish, but they can become territorial during breeding.

Discoverer: The African Butterfly Cichlid was named after W.C. Thomas, a British aquarist and collector who first discovered the fish in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in the early 1950s.

Interesting Facts: African Butterfly Cichlids are also known as Thomas’ Cichlid or Niger Delta Butterfly Cichlid. They are a popular choice for community aquariums due to their peaceful nature and vibrant coloration. However, they may require slightly acidic water to display their brightest colours. African Butterfly Cichlids are known for their unique breeding behaviour, in which the male will dig a tunnel in the substrate and lure the female inside to deposit her eggs. They may also exhibit a behaviour called “fin fanning,” where the male fans his fins in front of the female to attract her.

 

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DRY GOODS

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LIVESTOCK = Fish, Critters and Corals

Minimum order value £30Delivery charge £19.99. Delivery days Are Varied At The Moment.  We will contact you to confirm your delivery day. Some geographical restrictions apply See shipping

Aquarium Plants: Are shipped the same as and can be mixed with Dry goods *Free shipping on orders over £50 or £6.99 for orders under £50. Some geographical restrictions may apply.

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The African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi) is a small, colorful fish that can reach a maximum size of 2 inches (5 cm). Its body is elongated and slightly flattened from side to side, and its fins are rounded. The male has brighter colours than the female, especially during breeding.

Natural Habitat

The African Butterfly Cichlid is native to West Africa, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, and pools with sandy or muddy bottoms. It prefers areas with vegetation and fallen branches where it can hide and lay its eggs.

Keeping African Butterfly Cichlid Healthy

The African Butterfly Cichlid is a hardy fish that is relatively easy to keep in captivity. However, it is a bit more sensitive than other cichlids, so its water conditions should be carefully monitored. The water temperature should be between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 7.0-8.0 and a hardness of 10-20 dGH. They require regular water changes and a well-maintained filter system.

Special Requirements and Feeding

The African Butterfly Cichlid is an omnivorous fish that feeds on a variety of foods in the wild, including insects, crustaceans, and algae. In captivity, they can be fed a mixture of flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods. It is recommended to feed them several small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal.

How Many Should I Keep

African Butterfly Cichlids are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They are relatively peaceful fish, but can become territorial during breeding. Therefore, it is important to provide enough hiding places and territories for each fish.

Lighting Preference

This fish does not have any specific lighting requirements. However, they will appreciate a well-lit tank with some shaded areas where they can retreat.

Suitable Tank Mates

This Cichlid can be kept with other peaceful fish that are similar in size. However, it should not be kept with aggressive or larger cichlids, as they may become territorial and aggressive. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, and catfish.

Breeding Anomalochromis thomasi Cichlid

Breeding African Butterfly Cichlids is relatively easy. They are substrate spawners and will lay their eggs on flat surfaces such as rocks, shells, or flowerpots. The male will clean and defend the spawning site, while the female will lay the eggs. After hatching, the fry will be guarded by both parents.

  1. Set up a breeding tank: Provide a breeding tank that is at least 20 gallons in size and has a neutral pH level of 7.0 to 7.5, and a temperature between 77-82°F (25-28°C).
  2. Pairing: Introduce a pair of mature African Butterfly Cichlids into the breeding tank. The male will establish a territory and begin courtship behavior, such as displaying bright colors and building a nest.
  3. Nest building: The male will construct a nest using rocks, shells, and plants, which he will guard fiercely.
  4. Spawning: When the female is ready to spawn, she will lay her eggs in the nest. The male will then fertilize the eggs, and guard them aggressively.
  5. Incubation: The eggs will hatch within 3-4 days, and the fry will remain in the nest until they become free-swimming, which will take about 5-7 days.
  6. Fry care: Once the fry become free-swimming, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp and crushed flakes. The male will continue to guard and care for the fry until they are able to fend for themselves.
  7. Removing the fry: After about two weeks, the fry can be removed from the breeding tank and placed in a separate rearing tank.
  8. Rearing tank: The rearing tank should be set up with similar water conditions and decor as the breeding tank. Provide adequate filtration and aeration, and feed the fry small amounts of food frequently throughout the day.
  9. Growth and development: As the fry grow, their diet can be adjusted to include larger and more varied foods. As they reach maturity, they will begin to display their own courtship behavior and breeding habits.
  10. Repeat breeding: African Butterfly Cichlids are known to breed frequently, so if the first attempt is successful, it is likely that the pair will breed again in the future.

Anomalochromis thomasi Sexual Dimorphism

Male African African Butterfly Cichlid are more colourful and have longer fins than females. During breeding, males will develop more intense colours and may display a nuptial dress.

Distribution

The African Butterfly Cichlid is a naturally occurring species in West Africa. It is not a captive-bred or line-bred strain.

Summary

The African Butterfly Cichlid is a colourful and social fish that is relatively easy to care for in captivity. It requires a well-maintained aquarium with clean water, regular water changes, and a balanced diet. It is a good choice for aquarists who want to keep a peaceful community of small fish.

1 review for African Butterfly Cichlid

  1. Rebecca Freeman (verified owner)

    Chunky, healthy fish who arrived perky and eager to settle into the tank! They only arrived this morning and their colours are already starting to return, and they’re happily exploring their new home with interest. Clearly came from a store that cared for them and interacted with them from fry, as they’re very inquisitive and already getting bold and coming over the the front of the tank with that classic Cichlid look of ‘you here to feed us or what?’ 😂

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Dry Goods Delivery.

The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:

  1. Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
  2. Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
  3. 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
  4. 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
  5. APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.

It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Livestock Delivery.

The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:

  1. Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
  2. Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
  3. Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
  4. Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
  5. Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.

    These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.

  6. Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
  7. Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
  8. Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.

It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.

Livestock Geographical Exemptions.

The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:

  1. Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
  2. Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
  • AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
  • DD8 to DD10
  • BT all
  • DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
  • KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
  • HS all
  • IM all
  • JE all
  • ZE all
  • KW15 to KW17
  • TD9
  • FK17 to FK21
  • GY all
  • KA26, to KA28
  • PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
  • TR21, to TR25
  • PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
  • IV all

Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.

We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.

For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.

Cancellation.

According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.

Important points regarding the return process are as follows:

  1. Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
  2. Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
  3. Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
  4. Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.

It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Returns.

According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:

  1. Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
  2. Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
  3. Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
  4. Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
  5. Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
  6. Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.

It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.

Replacements

If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:

  1. Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
  2. Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
  3. Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
  4. Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
  5. Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
  6. Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.

Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Manufacturer’s Guarantees

The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:

  1. Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
  2. Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
  3. Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
  4. Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
  5. Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
  6. Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.

Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Breakages

According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:

  1. Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
  2. Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.

By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.