Butterfly Fish

Pantodon buchholzi, the Freshwater Butterfly Fish, is a truly prehistoric-looking West African surface fish. Its huge, spread pectoral fins resemble butterfly wings and can be used to glide briefly over water to escape predators. It lives at the very surface, floating motionlessly under floating vegetation and ambushing insects that land on or fall into the water. One of the most ancient-looking freshwater fish in the hobby — unchanged in 100 million years. Strictly surface-dwelling; never competes with mid or bottom-level fish.

Floating plants essential (frogbit, water sprite) — mimics natural habitat and provides shade. Temperature 23–30 °C, soft acidic water. Feed floating foods: crickets, locusts, freeze-dried insects, floating pellets. Never disturb the surface — Butterfly Fish are surface obligates. Lid essential — strong jumper.