African Butterflyfish
Pantodon buchholzi
Also known as: Freshwater Butterfly fish
A living leaf on the water's surface, until something edible flies past.
About
The African butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi) is one of the more unusual freshwater fish you'll encounter in the hobby, and it has been striking hobbyists since its introduction to European tanks back in 1905. Found across West and Central Africa, from Nigeria and Cameroon through the Congo basin, it inhabits slow-moving backwaters, swamps, and the calm margins of rivers, where it spends almost its entire life hovering just beneath the surface. Viewed from above, the broad, wing-like pectoral fins give it an unmistakable silhouette, and when motionless among floating plants it looks convincingly like a dead leaf drifting on the water. That stillness is deceptive: this fish is capable of launching itself several metres into the air to snatch insects, powered by a ballistic jumping ability that is quite remarkable for its size. A tightly fitted lid is non-negotiable. It is the sole member of the family Pantodontidae, which puts it in interesting company alongside the arowanas in the order Osteoglossiformes. In the aquarium, it is generally peaceful but will eat anything small enough to swallow, and its long trailing pelvic rays invite nipping from the wrong tankmates. Bottom-dwelling species like Synodontis catfish, Corydoras, and loricariids tend to work well as companions. An intermediate-level fish, but a rewarding one for anyone wanting something genuinely different.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with African Butterflyfish
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the African Butterflyfish get?
- The African Butterflyfish reaches about 3–4.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the African Butterflyfish need?
- A minimum of 21 gallons is recommended for the African Butterflyfish.
- What water parameters does the African Butterflyfish need?
- The African Butterflyfish does best with a temperature of 72–86°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 2–15 dGH.
- Is the African Butterflyfish aggressive?
- The African Butterflyfish is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the African Butterflyfish eat?
- The African Butterflyfish is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the African Butterflyfish live?
- With good care, the African Butterflyfish typically lives 3-5 years.