African Butterfly Fish

Pantodon buchholzi

A living-fossil surface predator with wing-like pectoral fins, built to ambush from above.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

73–86°F

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

3–12 dGH

Max size

4 in

Min tank

30 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Top

Diet

Carnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

5-6 years

Breeding

Egg-layer

Suitability

Intermediate

Origin

West Africa

Hangs motionless at the surface waiting for insects, then strikes — and can glide briefly above the water, so a tight lid is essential. Will eat small fish but ignores anything below it. Keep with mid- and bottom-dwelling tankmates too large to be prey.