The African butterfly cichlid is a small cichlid growing to a length of 6–8 centimetres. The natural habitat is mainly in smaller streams. The fish are typically found in slightly acidic, oxygen rich water with other west African cichlid such as Hemichromis and Pelvicachromis.
| Scientific name | Common Name | Size | Temperament |
| Melanochromis auratus | Golden Mbuna | 110mm | Aggressive |
| Water Temperature | Water pH | Tank size | Diet |
| 24-27oC | 7.5 - 8.5 | 200 litres | omnivore |