AFRICAN BUTTERFLY FISH

🦋 African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) – Surface Predator with Dragon-Like Wings

The African Butterfly Fish is one of the most extraordinary top-dwelling freshwater species, instantly recognizable by its outstretched, wing-like pectoral fins and stealthy surface-hunting behavior. With a body shape resembling a miniature dragon or a gliding insect, this ancient oddball hails from the slow-moving waters of Central and West Africa.

Known for its ability to leap out of water, ambush prey at the surface, and hover motionlessly among floating plants, the African Butterfly Fish is a top-level predator that adds intrigue, elegance, and uniqueness to any oddball, biotope, or blackwater aquarium.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Pantodon buchholzi

• Common Names: African Butterfly Fish, Freshwater Butterfly

• Adult Size: 4–5 inches

• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory to small tankmates

• Tank Size: 20+ gallons (long tanks preferred)

• Water Parameters: 75–82°F | pH 6.0–7.4 | Soft to moderately hard water

• Diet: Carnivore – feeds on floating pellets, frozen insects, and live foods like crickets and mosquito larvae

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

African Butterfly Fish thrive in:

• Tanks with calm surface water and little current

• Floating plants or driftwood to offer cover near the top

• Tightly fitting lids – they can jump surprisingly far!

Compatible with:

• Peaceful mid- and bottom-dwelling fish too large to be considered prey (e.g., Corydoras, larger tetras, dwarf cichlids)

• Avoid small fish like guppies, neon tetras, or rasboras

• Can be kept singly or in small groups in large enough setups

Behavior:

• 🎯 Ambush predator – will sit still for long periods, then strike with lightning speed

• 🧠 Unique personality – alert, observant, and reactive to surface movement

• 🦋 Gliding, winged motion adds a fantasy-like element to your tank

🛒 Why Buy African Butterfly Fish from RobsAquatics.com?

Each African Butterfly Fish is:

• ✅ Hand-selected for health, color, and fin condition

• ✅ Acclimated and feeding on floating carnivore foods

• ✅ Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ A perfect addition for oddball collectors, blackwater biotopes, or exotic predator tanks

📦 Bring the surface of your tank to life with the ancient, winged beauty of the African Butterfly Fish—an exotic standout available now at RobsAquatics.com.