Sunday Species Spotlight: African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi)

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Ecology

This underrated cichlid is a member of the African Cichlid group, and can be found in the coastal rivers of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. As a dwarf cichlid, its maximum size is 6.5cm (~2.5 inches!) and prefers tannin-rich waters. [1, 2] When scared, this fish buries into mud to hide itself. [2]

Although this fish is often overlooked because of its more drab appearance as a juvenile, it colors up beautifully as an adult, with an amber colored body and scales that shimmer with flecks of blue. The African Butterfly Cichlid also has a fascinating breeding process, where the female lays her eggs directly onto hard surfaces (like rocks, coconut shells, and logs) and the parents will guard their eggs and care for their fry after hatching. [3]

Fishery

Not much is known about this fishery, but this fish is known to be aquacultured for the aquarium hobby. [4]

In Aquaria

Due to its relatively peaceful nature (except when breeding), the African Butterfly Cichlid makes for a very good beginner fish for fishkeepers who are new to keeping cichlids. It is not a fussy eater, and breeds easily in well-kept aquariums! [5]

Citations

[1] Diallo, I. & Lalèyè, P. 2020. Anomalochromis thomasi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T181745A134773204. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T181745A134773204.en. Accessed on 25 June 2022.

[2] Anomalochromis thomasi : fisheries. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Anomalochromis-thomasi.html

[3] The dwarf jewel fish, Anomalochromis thomasi (Boulenger 1915) by Paul V Loiselle | Cichlid Room Companion. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://cichlidae.com/article.php?id=53</div>

[4] Rosalind George, M., Riji John, K., Kaviarasu, D., Rosalind George, C. M., & Dinesh, R. (2018). Occurrence of parasites in aquaculture systems of South Tamil Nadu. ~ 283 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 6(2), 283–286.

[5] The dwarf jewel fish, Anomalochromis thomasi (Boulenger 1915) by Paul V Loiselle | Cichlid Room Companion. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://cichlidae.com/article.php?id=53