[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Miscellaneous Fish – Butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi)

This challenging fish, known in the hobby since the early 1 900s, has never been available in large numbers. Contrary to reports (and its common name), the Butterflyfish does not “fly” i.e. it does not flap its winglike pectoral fins. It is, however, able to glide for short distances.

Family

• Pantodontidae

Distribution

• West Africa: Cameroon, D. R. Congo, and Nigeria.

Size

• Up to 10cm (4in).

Behavior

• Surface predator; can be aggressive toward other surface swimmers but tolerant toward tankmates that occupy the lower levels of the aquarium.

Diet

• Predominantly livefoods, but will take deep-frozen and freeze-dried diets, and may accept some floating dry formulations.

Aquarium

• Spacious, well covered, with large open surface areas—but also incorporating some floating vegetation. Soft, slightly acid water, preferably tannin-stained, preferred, but some deviation tolerated. Temperature range: 73-86°F (23-30°C).

Breeding

• Challenging in aquaria; floating eggs are produced over several days. Hatching takes 1 1/2-2 days.