African butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi)

Family: Pantodontidae

African butterflyfish — a Pantodontidae from Africa, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 4–8 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 20–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 20–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 4–8 cm
Minimum tank: 77 L
Water layer: Middle of the water column
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates
Origin: Africa

Species overview

Pantodon buchholzi is a Pantodontidae from Africa. In the wild it prefers warm freshwater streams and lakes; in the aquarium it stays peaceful. Plan on 4–8 cm of adult fish at 20–26 °C. In a community tank it pairs well with Robust schooling cyprinids.

Native biotope

Habitat: Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow: Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂: Moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape: Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants: Hardy common aquarium plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour
Diet: Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety
Recommended tankmates: Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict
Avoid keeping with: Much larger predators — Risk at night

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Subtle external differences
Breeding method: Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning

Frequently asked questions

Is African butterflyfish easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour.

What temperature and water chemistry does African butterflyfish need?

Set the heater to 20–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does African butterflyfish get, and what tank size?

Full size is 4–8 cm. Minimum tank: 77 L, with open swimming space along its middle of the water column habits.

What does African butterflyfish eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can African butterflyfish live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates — pair it with Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict and skip Much larger predators — Risk at night.

Where does African butterflyfish come from?

Its home waters are Africa — warm freshwater streams and lakes, with still to gentle current.

Does African butterflyfish jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does African butterflyfish breed?

Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Subtle external differences.