It is the most popular African cichlid amongst aquarium hobbyists.
The fish is most often kept in community tanks by aquarium hobbyists.
The simple waterfall design was basically free to build, and aquarium hobbyists built them for their own aquariums (and ponds).
Their odd leaf-like appearance make them interesting fishes for aquarium hobbyists.
As reported by nearby residents, the fish were released in the ponds by aquarium hobbyists and had lived there for some years.
At the time it was common for aquarium hobbyists in Germany to create home "mini-reefs".
The genus is popular with aquarium hobbyists due to the beautiful markings and interesting behaviour of the fish.
Some of these synonyms are still in use by aquarium hobbyists which complicates identification of this species.
Their odd, leaf-like appearance and unusual behavior make them interesting to aquarium hobbyists.
For this reason, some aquarium hobbyists have begun using chaeto or an Algae scrubber instead.