African Butterfly Fish

Pantodon buchholzi

A living fossil — unchanged for millions of years. Butterfly fish hang motionless at the surface with their enormous pectoral fins spread like butterfly wings, waiting to ambush insects. Can leap out of the water to catch prey.

Quick Facts

Water Parameters

Natural Habitat

Surface of slow-moving rivers, swamps, and flooded forests in West Africa. Hides among floating plants.

Feeding

Surface-feeding carnivore — crickets, flies, floating pellets, freeze-dried krill. Rarely accepts sinking food.

Compatible Tank Mates

Breeding

Floating eggs. Male has concave anal fin. Eggs float at surface among plants. Rarely bred in captivity.

Care Tips