African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) Care Guide

A unique surface-dwelling fish with large, wing-like pectoral fins that allow it to glide above the water. A living fossil unchanged for millions of years.

Overview

Pantodon buchholzi is a species in the family Pantodontidae. A unique surface-dwelling fish with large, wing-like pectoral fins that allow it to glide above the water. A living fossil unchanged for millions of years. Ambush predator that feeds on insects and small fish at the surface. Requires a tight-fitting lid as it can jump.

Taxonomy

Family: Pantodontidae
Genus: Pantodon
Scientific name: Pantodon buchholzi
Other names: Freshwater Butterflyfish
Origin: Africa, West Africa, Congo Basin

Habitat

Pantodon buchholzi is a surface-dwelling predator from still, vegetated fresh waters of the Congo basin and West Africa. Its upturned mouth and broad pectoral fins suit ambushing insects at the surface, and it can leap and glide briefly above the water.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L
Temperature: 24-30 °C
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 3-12 °dGH
Adult size: 10-13 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: top
Compatible tank mates: Kribensis, Congo Tetra, Corydoras, Synodontis
Avoid with: Small Surface Fish, Other Surface Dwellers

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced