African Butterflyfish

The African Butterfly Fish

The African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) is a fascinating and unique fish native to the calm waters of West and Central Africa. Its appearance and surface behavior make it a captivating choice for aquarists. Here's how to properly care for it:

Water Temperature and Conditions

• Temperature: Between 24 and 28 °C.
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Hardness: Medium, between 5 and 15 dGH.
• Filtration: Gentle filtration is recommended, as these fish prefer calm waters without strong currents.

Behavior

• An excellent surface fish, it spends most of its time near the surface, waiting for prey.
• Generally peaceful, but it can become territorial towards other surface fish or try to eat small fish.
• It is shy and can be stressed by overly active or aggressive tank mates.

Food

• They are strict carnivores, and their diet should mainly include live or frozen prey:
  • Insects: small crickets, flies, mosquitoes.
  • Aquatic prey: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms.
• They may accept floating foods specifically designed for carnivores, but they prefer live food.

Size and Ideal Aquarium

• They measure approximately 10 to 12 cm at maturity.
• A minimum 100-liter aquarium is required, with a large open surface area for swimming.
• Add floating plants for shaded areas.

Compatibility

• Compatible with non-aggressive, medium-sized mid-water or bottom-dwelling fish, such as Corydoras or certain Tetras.
• Avoid small fish that they might eat or overly lively fish, such as Danios, which may stress them.

Peculiarities

• They are known for their ability to jump out of the water. A tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent escapes.
• They prefer well-planted aquariums with subdued lighting to mimic their natural habitat.

Tips for their Well-being

• Maintain calm water with minimal surface movement.
• Provide a varied diet to meet their carnivorous needs.
• Change the water regularly to maintain excellent quality, as they are sensitive to pollutants.

With their unique butterfly-like appearance and captivating behavior, African Butterfly Fish are a remarkable addition to any well-appointed tropical aquarium.