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African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

BIOTOPE:

African Butterfly Fish are found within Central Africa in slow moving rivers and lakes around the Congo Basin, Niger, and Cameroon.

Water Temperature:

73-86F (23-30C)

I keep mine between 74-79.5F

Water Parameters:

PH: 6.0 - 7.5

Soft to Moderately hard

I do have extremely hard water

Tank Size:

20 Gallon Long With a good lid

Though, other sites may list 30 Gallon as minimum. They are surface dwelling fish that rarely utilize the water levels below. They are GREAT jumpers and can jump and will jump. Surface area is more important.

Multiple fish may require more space. I've kept them as a pair in a 20 gallon long and had success but I've also kept them as a pair in a 20 gallon long with issues. 

Behavior:

They can range from being a pretty timid and chill fish or they can get a little fiesty and aggressive. They typically do well with other fish and I haven't had many issues keeping them with endlers and Apistogrammas. Though, stay away from tank mates that may nip fins as ABF have flowing fins that are very tempting.

Also, ABF are predatory and may pick off any fish that can fit into its large mought, but mostly they will go for insects more at the surface. You may also want to avoid any other top dwelling fish as well.

 

They can easily get spooked and jump or scared and hide further down in the tank.

Feeding:

You can feed live crickets and any other insect that will fit into its mouth.

They are easily trained to eat dry foods and I have found they love Fluval Bugbites and Hikari Floating Food Sticks.

I feed mine a dry mix for the community and a Hikari Floating Stick specifically for the ABF.