African butterflyfish
Pantodon buchholzi
Neptune’s rating:
59- DifficultyModerate
- FeedFlakes, Pellets, Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Tubifex Worms, Frozen Shrimp, Vegetable Matter, Algae Wafers, Color Enhancing Food, Daphnia, Micro Worms, Feeder Fish, Freeze-dried Foods, Stick-on Tablets
- HardinessModerate
- Length10.0 - 15.0 cm
- Liters per Fish40 L
- pH6.0 - 7.5
- PopularityModerate
- RarityUncommon
- Minimum School Size6
- Tank HabitatSurface Dweller, Mid-tank Dweller, Bottom Dweller
- TemperamentAggressive, Social, Shy, Playful, Semi-aggressive
- Temperature24.0 - 28.0 °C
Please note: These values are based on the average of various confirmed sources.
More about African butterflyfish
The African butterflyfish, characterized by its mottled brown and cream coloration, is a distinctive freshwater species native to West Africa's slow-moving waters and swamps. Its body is flattened with an extended mouth, resembling a butterfly, which aids in surface dwelling and hunting. Known for its unique appearance, including large, wing-like pectoral fins, the African butterflyfish is moderately popular among aquarium enthusiasts who appreciate its exotic look and surface-dwelling behavior.
Did you know?
Despite their delicate and graceful appearance, they are adept aerial predators. These fish are known for their incredible ability to jump out of the water to catch insects from above the surface. Their large, wing-like pectoral fins enable them to make significant leaps, and they have excellent eyesight to spot prey from below the water’s surface. This hunting strategy makes them fascinating to observe in both wild habitats and aquarium settings.
Frequently asked questions
An African Butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi) can grow up to 12.5 centimeters (5 inches) in length.