African Butterfly Fish

African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon Buchholzi)

The African Butterfly Fish, also known as Freshwater Butterfly Fish, is a unique freshwater fish native to the slow-moving or stagnant waters of Central and West Africa. These fascinating creatures are characterized by their flat, triangular bodies and large pectoral fins that resemble butterfly wings, hence their namesake. Their coloration is a blend of brown, gold, and silver, creating an attractive and distinctive appearance. Adult African Butterfly Fish grow to be about 5 inches in length.

In terms of personality, African Butterfly Fish are peaceful but can be predatory towards smaller tank mates. They are surface feeders with an upturned mouth that enables them to catch prey from the water’s surface. Their large eyes positioned near the front of their head provide them with an excellent field of vision. They are not shoaling or schooling fish and can be kept individually or in small groups.

When considering tank mates, it's crucial to avoid housing them with smaller or slow-moving fish, as these may end up becoming a meal for your Butterfly Fish. Suitable tank mates include Congo Tetras, larger barbs, non-aggressive species of Cichlids, Catfish like Synodontis or Corydoras, and Rainbowfish. However, always monitor their behavior to ensure no aggression or other issues arise. Researching individual species in detail before introducing new tank mates is always recommended to ensure compatibility and a stress-free environment for all your aquatic pets.

When it comes to diet, African Butterfly Fish are carnivorous. Their primary sources of food are insects and small fish. They thrive on a varied diet of live or frozen food, such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and even small fish like guppies. High-quality flakes or pellets specialized for carnivorous fish can also be included in their diet.

Creating an ideal habitat for African Butterfly Fish involves mimicking their natural environment as closely as possible. The substrate in the tank should preferably be dark, to recreate the murky conditions of their native waters. They also prefer slightly soft, acidic water stained with tannins. Strong water currents are unsuitable for African Butterfly Fish, as their natural habitat has minimal to no water movement.

African Butterfly Fish are surface dwellers and thrive in environments abundant with plant life. They often use these plants as their hideouts, so incorporating some floating flora in their tank would be beneficial. Tall broad-leafed plants spanning from the tank's bottom to its top benefit the African Butterfly Fish and their tankmates occupying the lower portion of the aquarium for security and comfort.

While African Butterfly Fish originate from shaded habitats, these fish are more comfortable in lower light conditions, and floating plants play a key role in naturally maintaining subdued lighting in the tank. While a plant-rich environment is needed, it's crucial not to overcrowd the surface because African Butterfly Fish require clear access to the top.

As for the tank's lower regions, the choice of substrate, rocks, caves, and driftwood can be tailored to the needs of the other fish species, given that African Butterfly Fish primarily inhabit the tank's upper half.

As for water parameters and tank size, African Butterfly Fish require a minimum of 30 gallons for a single fish. The ideal aquarium size for a community setup is 60 gallons or larger. House them in long rectangular tanks since they all their time at the water's surface. African Butterfly Fish thrive in water temperatures between 75°F-86°F (24°C-30°C). The preferable pH range is 6.0-7.5, and the recommended water hardness range is 5-12 dGH.

Regular, partial water changes are essential for keeping your African Butterfly Fish healthy. Aim to change approximately 25% of the water every few weeks.

The tank should be equipped with a secure lid or cover, as these fish are known for their strong leaping abilities.