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African Butterflyfish
Pantodon buchholzi
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Pantodontidae
📍 Congo Basin, West Africa
The African butterflyfish is a surface-dwelling predator with large, wing-like pectoral fins. It floats motionlessly at the surface waiting to ambush insects and small fish. It requires a tightly covered tank as it can jump considerable distances.
Care Guide
Diet
African butterflyfish are strict carnivores that require live or floating foods. Feed small live insects (mosquito larvae, fruit flies), crickets, freeze-dried krill, and small live fish fry once daily. They will not typically accept sinking pellets or standard flake foods, so live or floating options are essential for long-term health.
Behavior
This species is a surface-dwelling ambush predator that remains motionless at the water's surface, waiting to strike at passing prey with lightning-fast reflexes. They are aggressive toward small tankmates and will consume anything that fits in their mouth. They are solitary and territorial, best kept alone or with larger, robust fish that cannot be mistaken for food.
Breeding
Breeding African butterflyfish in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They require very specific conditions including soft, acidic water, dense floating vegetation for egg scattering, and live food availability. Most captive specimens do not breed, making this impractical for hobbyists.
Tank Mates
Large, fast-moving fish that won't fit in the butterflyfish's mouth and can hold their own at the surface
Robust cichlid of similar size that occupies mid-water zone and is too large to be preyed upon
Bottom-dwelling algae eater that avoids surface competition and won't trigger predatory response
Nocturnal bottom-dweller that operates in different zone and is armored against predation
Small schooling fish; only viable if kept in large groups where butterflyfish cannot pick them off individually
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Raise water temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine tank conditions
Mouth Fungus (Columnaris)
White or grayish coating around mouth and gills, difficulty feeding, lethargy
Increase aeration, perform daily water changes, use antibacterial medication; isolate if possible and maintain optimal water parameters
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, visible parasites on body, weight loss, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication, perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish; improve water quality and reduce stress
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – floating insects, crickets, small fish, freeze-dried krill
- lifespan
- 5–10 years
- max size
- 13 cm (5 in)
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Aggressive toward small tankmates; surface predator
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <15 ppm
- hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- temperature
- 75–86°F (24–30°C)