African Butterfly Cichlid

The African butterfly cichlid is the only species in its genus. Its pale beige–gold body carries dark vertical bars, a large black spot in the middle of the flank and shining blue–green dots lined up along its scales. Juveniles look plain; adults become increasingly colorful once settled in the aquarium.

It is one of the most peaceful species among cichlids; it causes almost no trouble in a community aquarium. Its ability to adapt to both slightly acidic and slightly alkaline water makes it a good choice for getting started with African dwarf cichlids. Some regional forms are thought likely to be described as separate species in the future.

It lives in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, in forest streams covered over by vegetation. These waters are tea-colored from tannins, soft and slightly acidic; the bottom is covered with leaves and branches.

• Volume: at least 80 liters for a pair.
• Decor: flat stones and broad-leaved plants (spawning surfaces), roots, plenty of hiding places; dim light.
• Substrate: fine sand; the parents dig pits during the fry period.
• Water: 24–26°C, pH 6–7.5. A 25% water change every week.

Omnivorous and not fussy. A quality cichlid granule can be the staple; vary the diet regularly with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and mysis.

Shy and peaceful; it defends its spawning site only during breeding. It hides in crowded, busy aquariums and shows itself in a calm setting. It may eat shrimplets and adult dwarf shrimp.

Good companions: small tetras and African characins, rasboras, Corydoras, small gouramis, other peaceful dwarf cichlids (with enough space).

Avoid: aggressive and large cichlids, fast and domineering barbs, shrimp.

Kept as a pair. Buying a bonded pair or growing up several juveniles together is the best approach. In a large aquarium (150 liters or more) a group of 6 or more can also be kept; in that case the fish behave more boldly and pairs split off their own territories.

It is an open-substrate spawner: the female cleans several flat stones or broad leaves, and the pair choose one of them. The female lays eggs in rows and the male fertilizes them; up to 500 eggs can be seen in a single spawning. The eggs hatch in about 2 days; the larvae are moved between sand pits dug by the parents and become free-swimming after about 3 days. The parents care for the fry together for about a month. The fry grow slowly and are fed newly hatched brine shrimp.

Hardy. Bacterial infections can occur in dirty water; with regular water changes and a varied diet, problems are rare.

Sexing is difficult. Males are slightly larger with longer fins; their black markings may be paler than the females'. When females are full of eggs, their bellies become noticeably rounder.