Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

From The Aquarium Wiki
Revision as of 02:45, 13 December 2017 by PsiPro (talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search

Butterfly Fish

Pantodon buchholzi-1311.jpg
Butterfly Fish

Pantodon buchholzi

38 Litres (10 US G.)

7.6-10.2cm (3-4 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 7.5

23 -30 °C (73.4-86°F)

2-10 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Pantodontidae



Additional names

Butterfly Fish, Freshwater Butterflyfish, African Butterflyfish

Additional scientific names

Pantodon buccholzi, Pantodon buchholzi macrolepis, Pantodon buchholzi schizonotus, Pantodon bucholzi


Sexing

The male has a concave anal fin, whereas the female has a convex anal fin.


Tank compatibility

A top-dwelling carnivorous hunter, will eat smaller fish and has a surprisingly large mouth. Tank mates need to be considered carefully, not only must they not be small enough to be eaten, but must also not be nippy as the Butterfly Fish has long fins and is not a very active swimmer. They should also ideally be mid-bottom dwellers, if indeed any tank mates are kept at all.


Diet

The diet includes flakes, live foods such bloodworm and brine shrimp, and they are capable of eating fish as large as a neon tetra.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

They prefer soft and acidic water with lots of floating vegetation and a slow current. A temperature of 23.3-30°C (74-86°F) is preferred. Use a tight-fitting cover glass, they will jump at the slightest provocation, although some plant or a piece of cork bark floating on the surface helps to discouraging this.


Behaviour

Will spend almost all of it's time near the surface, patiently waiting for something to come into reach to get eaten.


Identification

This fish is mottled brown in colouration with large ventral fin extensions about 7.6-10.2cm (3-4") long.

Pictures

Videos

Side view: Top view, feeding:

External links