Freshwater butterflyfish

The African butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi) is a surface-dwelling predator from the slow-moving, tannin-stained waters of West and Central Africa. Named for its large, wing-like pectoral fins, this fish is a specialised surface ambush predator that spends almost all its time at the waterline, where its flattened head and upward-pointing mouth are perfectly adapted to snatch insects and small prey from above. It is a facultative air-breather and can glide short distances above the surface using its modified pectoral fins.

In the aquarium a long, shallow tank of 100 litres or more is ideal, with minimal water movement, dim lighting, and plenty of surface cover from tall plants or floating species such as frogbit and water sprite. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential — these fish are accomplished jumpers. They are best kept singly or in pairs; males can be territorial with each other. Like many insectivores they can be shy at first and benefit from a dark substrate and subdued lighting.

The African butterfly fish is strictly carnivorous and feeds only at the surface. Live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, small crickets, and wingless fruit flies are eagerly taken; they can sometimes be weaned onto floating pellets. They are peaceful toward fish too large to eat but will prey on any fish small enough to fit in their mouth. Good tankmates include medium-sized corydoras, larger tetras, and peaceful bottom-dwellers. They are sensitive to poor water quality and should be added only to a mature aquarium with stable parameters.