Freshwater Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

Description

Freshwater Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

Ancient, unusual and perfectly adapted to life at the water’s surface, the Freshwater Butterfly Fish is a spectacular West African predator with wing-like fins and remarkable hunting behaviour. This fascinating oddball spends most of its time watching the surface for insects and makes an unforgettable feature fish for a carefully planned aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Pantodon buchholzi
  • Common names: Freshwater Butterfly Fish, African Butterfly Fish
  • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
  • Adult size: Approximately 10–13 cm
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended, with generous surface area
  • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful toward suitable tank mates but predatory toward small fish
  • Social needs: Can be kept singly or in a compatible group where adequate surface space is available

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You enjoy unusual fish with specialised natural behaviour.
  • You want a distinctive surface-dwelling feature species.
  • You can provide a tightly covered aquarium with floating plants.
  • You are comfortable feeding quality floating and insect-based foods.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep nano fish small enough to be swallowed.
  • Your aquarium has an open top or gaps around equipment.
  • You keep aggressive surface fish or persistent fin-nippers.
  • Your filter creates intense turbulence across the entire surface.

Why choose a Freshwater Butterfly Fish?

The Freshwater Butterfly Fish is unlike almost anything else in the aquarium hobby. Its broad pectoral fins spread outward like wings, while its flattened head, upward-facing mouth and camouflaged pattern reveal a fish perfectly designed for hunting at the water’s surface.

Rather than swimming constantly throughout the aquarium, it waits patiently beneath floating plants and overhanging cover. When food appears, it strikes rapidly from below, displaying the specialised behaviour of a natural insect predator.

This species can also breathe atmospheric air and regularly remains close to the surface. Its unusual appearance, calm movement and ancient lineage make it especially appealing to aquarists who appreciate rare and behaviourally interesting fish.

Benefits

  • Extraordinary wing-like pectoral fins
  • Fascinating surface-hunting behaviour
  • Unusual West African feature species
  • Generally peaceful with appropriate tank mates
  • Ideal for natural blackwater-inspired displays
  • Excellent choice for experienced oddball fishkeepers

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Quality floating carnivore pellets, insects, crickets, flies, bloodworms, brine shrimp and other floating live or frozen foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well filtered
  • Flow: Gentle to moderate, with calm areas maintained at the surface
  • Setup: Floating plants, subdued lighting, driftwood and plenty of unobstructed surface space
  • A tightly fitting lid is essential because this species is an exceptionally powerful jumper.
  • Ensure food remains near the surface, as Butterfly Fish may ignore meals that quickly sink below them.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Congo Tetras
  • African Glass Catfish
  • Kribensis
  • Synodontis Catfish
  • Peaceful African Cichlids
NTA Insight:
The most important feature of a Butterfly Fish aquarium is not simply its volume—it is the available surface area. This species lives and feeds almost entirely near the top, so long aquariums with floating cover are preferable to tall, narrow tanks. Always check every opening around filters, cables and airline tubing, as Butterfly Fish can launch through surprisingly small gaps.

FAQ

Is the Freshwater Butterfly Fish related to marine butterflyfish?

No. Despite sharing a common name, Pantodon buchholzi is a freshwater African species and is unrelated to the colourful marine butterflyfishes commonly seen in reef aquariums.

How large does a Freshwater Butterfly Fish grow?

Adults generally reach approximately 10–13 cm, although their broad fins make them appear larger when viewed from above.

Will Butterfly Fish eat smaller fish?

Yes. They are surface predators and may consume fish small enough to fit into their mouth, particularly those that spend time near the upper water level.

Do they need a secure lid?

Absolutely. They are powerful jumpers and require a tightly fitted cover with every opening around equipment carefully secured.

What do Butterfly Fish eat?

They prefer foods that float or remain close to the surface. Insects, quality floating carnivore pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp and other meaty foods can form a varied diet.

Do they require floating plants?

Floating plants are strongly recommended. They provide shade, security and natural cover from which the fish can observe and ambush food at the surface.

Are Freshwater Butterfly Fish aggressive?

They are generally calm toward fish too large to swallow. However, males may become territorial around preferred surface positions, and very small tank mates may be treated as prey.

Are Butterfly Fish suitable for beginners?

They are better suited to aquarists with some experience due to their specialised feeding behaviour, jumping ability and need for carefully selected tank mates.

Freshwater Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

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Out of stock,  

$60.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Freshwater Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

    Ancient, unusual and perfectly adapted to life at the water’s surface, the Freshwater Butterfly Fish is a spectacular West African predator with wing-like fins and remarkable hunting behaviour. This fascinating oddball spends most of its time watching the surface for insects and makes an unforgettable feature fish for a carefully planned aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Pantodon buchholzi
    • Common names: Freshwater Butterfly Fish, African Butterfly Fish
    • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
    • Adult size: Approximately 10–13 cm
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended, with generous surface area
    • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful toward suitable tank mates but predatory toward small fish
    • Social needs: Can be kept singly or in a compatible group where adequate surface space is available

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You enjoy unusual fish with specialised natural behaviour.
    • You want a distinctive surface-dwelling feature species.
    • You can provide a tightly covered aquarium with floating plants.
    • You are comfortable feeding quality floating and insect-based foods.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep nano fish small enough to be swallowed.
    • Your aquarium has an open top or gaps around equipment.
    • You keep aggressive surface fish or persistent fin-nippers.
    • Your filter creates intense turbulence across the entire surface.

    Why choose a Freshwater Butterfly Fish?

    The Freshwater Butterfly Fish is unlike almost anything else in the aquarium hobby. Its broad pectoral fins spread outward like wings, while its flattened head, upward-facing mouth and camouflaged pattern reveal a fish perfectly designed for hunting at the water’s surface.

    Rather than swimming constantly throughout the aquarium, it waits patiently beneath floating plants and overhanging cover. When food appears, it strikes rapidly from below, displaying the specialised behaviour of a natural insect predator.

    This species can also breathe atmospheric air and regularly remains close to the surface. Its unusual appearance, calm movement and ancient lineage make it especially appealing to aquarists who appreciate rare and behaviourally interesting fish.

    Benefits

    • Extraordinary wing-like pectoral fins
    • Fascinating surface-hunting behaviour
    • Unusual West African feature species
    • Generally peaceful with appropriate tank mates
    • Ideal for natural blackwater-inspired displays
    • Excellent choice for experienced oddball fishkeepers

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Quality floating carnivore pellets, insects, crickets, flies, bloodworms, brine shrimp and other floating live or frozen foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well filtered
    • Flow: Gentle to moderate, with calm areas maintained at the surface
    • Setup: Floating plants, subdued lighting, driftwood and plenty of unobstructed surface space
    • A tightly fitting lid is essential because this species is an exceptionally powerful jumper.
    • Ensure food remains near the surface, as Butterfly Fish may ignore meals that quickly sink below them.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Congo Tetras
    • African Glass Catfish
    • Kribensis
    • Synodontis Catfish
    • Peaceful African Cichlids
    NTA Insight:
    The most important feature of a Butterfly Fish aquarium is not simply its volume—it is the available surface area. This species lives and feeds almost entirely near the top, so long aquariums with floating cover are preferable to tall, narrow tanks. Always check every opening around filters, cables and airline tubing, as Butterfly Fish can launch through surprisingly small gaps.

    FAQ

    Is the Freshwater Butterfly Fish related to marine butterflyfish?

    No. Despite sharing a common name, Pantodon buchholzi is a freshwater African species and is unrelated to the colourful marine butterflyfishes commonly seen in reef aquariums.

    How large does a Freshwater Butterfly Fish grow?

    Adults generally reach approximately 10–13 cm, although their broad fins make them appear larger when viewed from above.

    Will Butterfly Fish eat smaller fish?

    Yes. They are surface predators and may consume fish small enough to fit into their mouth, particularly those that spend time near the upper water level.

    Do they need a secure lid?

    Absolutely. They are powerful jumpers and require a tightly fitted cover with every opening around equipment carefully secured.

    What do Butterfly Fish eat?

    They prefer foods that float or remain close to the surface. Insects, quality floating carnivore pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp and other meaty foods can form a varied diet.

    Do they require floating plants?

    Floating plants are strongly recommended. They provide shade, security and natural cover from which the fish can observe and ambush food at the surface.

    Are Freshwater Butterfly Fish aggressive?

    They are generally calm toward fish too large to swallow. However, males may become territorial around preferred surface positions, and very small tank mates may be treated as prey.

    Are Butterfly Fish suitable for beginners?

    They are better suited to aquarists with some experience due to their specialised feeding behaviour, jumping ability and need for carefully selected tank mates.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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