Description
African Butterfly Fish – A Living Fossil with Wings
(Pantodon buchholzi)
The African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) is a fascinating and unique surface-dweller native to slow-moving waters in West and Central Africa. With broad, wing-like pectoral fins and a prehistoric appearance, this fish glides just beneath the surface, mimicking a fallen leaf while patiently waiting to ambush prey. Ideal for calm, well-covered aquariums, it’s a must-have for oddball or blackwater setups.
Key Features:
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Gliding Appearance: Large, wing-like fins and upturned mouth perfect for top-dwelling
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Camouflage Master: Blends seamlessly with floating plants and leaf litter
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Small but Impressive: Grows to around 10–13 cm (4–5 inches)
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Peaceful Predator: Generally calm, but will eat small surface-dwelling tankmates
Tank Requirements:
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Minimum tank size: 75 liters (20+ gallons)
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Temperature: 24°C–30°C (75°F–86°F)
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Prefers tanks with floating plants, subdued lighting, and minimal surface agitation
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Needs a tight-fitting lid—this fish is an excellent jumper
Compatibility:
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Best kept with peaceful, mid-to-bottom dwelling tankmates too large to be eaten
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Avoid fin-nippers and small surface fish
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Excellent for blackwater, biotope, or oddball-themed aquariums
Feeding Tips:
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Carnivorous surface-feeder—prefers live or frozen foods like crickets, flies, bloodworms, and floating insects
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May accept floating pellets with training
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Feed 1–2 times daily
Why Choose the African Butterfly Fish?
Elegant, ancient, and mysterious, the African Butterfly Fish adds a dramatic and naturalistic flair to your aquarium’s surface. Its hovering presence and stealthy feeding behavior make it a standout favorite among oddball enthusiasts and aquarists seeking something extraordinary.
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