KCT Black butterfly(RARE)

Rare KCT Black Butterfly cichlid for sale — a striking, aggressive African cichlid that needs high pH water, grows to 6–7cm and suits experienced keepers.

• Water Conditions: The KCT Black Butterfly is a rift-lake style cichlid and will not tolerate soft, acidic water. Aim for a pH of 7.8–8.6, a general hardness (GH) of 10–20 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8–12 dKH. Temperature should sit between 24–27°C (75–81°F), kept as stable as possible — fluctuations of more than a degree or two stress this fish and can trigger colour loss, appetite drops and disease. The single most effective way to hold these parameters steady is a substrate of crushed coral, aragonite sand or Texas Holey Rock, all of which buffer pH and hardness naturally and slowly. Filtration should be generous — aim for a turnover of 6–8 times the tank volume per hour — via a canister filter, a large internal power filter or a sump, combined with good surface agitation for gas exchange. Ammonia and nitrite must always read zero and nitrate should be kept below 20ppm, which in practice means a 25–30% water change every week using pre-buffered, temperature-matched water. Never use straight RO water without remineralising it, and avoid pH-adjusting chemicals in favour of natural buffering media.
• Tank Size and Setup: Although this is a relatively compact cichlid at 6–7cm, it is territorial and needs space to carve out a territory. A tank of at least 90cm in length and 110–150 litres is the sensible minimum for a single specimen or a bonded pair, and larger is always better. Build the aquascape around rockwork: stacks of slate, lava rock or ocean rock arranged to create caves, crevices