care and feeding of anomalochromis thomasi, the african butterfly cichlid

[Rivet9]

I picked up an African Butterfly Cichlid on a whim, having never seen one before, and the shop assured me they're non-aggressive and stay relatively small. This one seems quite skittish, so I'm curious to know if they'd make good tankmates with their own kind.

Not particularly interested in breeding them, but I'd like to get another... if it happened to be another male, would they fight? They're pretty tricky to sex, aren't they?

Thanks.

[bolt9x]

Sexing them can be a real challenge, I've found that out myself. I had a breeding pair that I ended up selling to Caz on this forum, and she did mention they caused some issues with her Apistos - the African Butterfly Cichlids were the aggressors, unfortunately, and had to be rehomed. That being said, they're still a lovely species, and I'm sure you'll enjoy keeping them.

[riverrun4]

African Butterfly Cichlids can be right skittish, I've found. I've got a group of six at the moment and they need their own tank, otherwise they're just too flighty. I've bred them before, and to be honest, I used to just eat the fry if they were in with other fish, even dithers. Just give 'em loads of hiding places, that's my advice.

[Rivet9]

I picked up a couple more of these African Butterfly Cichlids and they're getting along alright, they do like to do their own thing though. They're eating well, which is a relief. Appreciate the advice, it's been helpful so far.

[Rivet9]

I picked up an African Butterfly Cichlid on a whim, having never seen one before, and the shop assured me they're non-aggressive and stay relatively small. This one seems quite skittish, so I'm curious to know if they'd make good tankmates with their own kind.

Not particularly interested in breeding them, but I'd like to get another... if it happened to be another male, would they fight? They're pretty tricky to sex, aren't they?

Thanks.

Rivet9 said:



I purchased 2 more for the tank. They are hanging out together but all tend to go their seperate ways aswell. Eat everything, which is good.

Thanks for the replies.

usually with these cichlids, they form a hierarchy, having one dominant pair that rules the rest. lovely fish though, a real joy to watch, especially when in breeding colours and displaying their unique behaviour.

sorry for the poor video quality, they were only my second cichlid breed, and it was a while back, using my old mobile phone, lol.

[kaido9]

I've got one that's a bit of an oddity in my tank, doesn't really fit in with the larger cichlids but it's happy enough, doesn't get hassled. It's always out, never hides. Would be tempted to get a group of 6 if I could find them locally. Those breeding colours are something else, stunning.

[riverrun4]

no worries if you're interested i can get them in for you, happy to post next day if that suits you mate