At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Surface-dwelling bony-tongue fish
A flat-backed fish built for life at the surface, with an upturned mouth, upward-looking eyes, very large wing-like pectoral fins and long trailing rays on the pelvic fins.21
Personality what they are like
Generally peaceful with fish that stay away from the surface, but it can be territorial with its own kind and with other surface dwellers.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Most active at dawn and dusk; otherwise rests quietly among floating plants waiting for insects.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Water about 23-30 C, pH roughly 6.0-7.5 and soft to medium hardness. Keep the surface calm and the lid tightly closed, as it jumps well.132
Home where they are happiest
A tank with at least a 90 x 30 cm footprint (about 81 litres); surface area matters more than depth. Floating plants give cover.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An insect eater that feeds at the surface: live insects such as crickets, plus bloodworm, brine shrimp, prawn and small mealworms. Flakes can be a small extra.132
Company who they like around
Can live singly or in a small group with plenty of floating plants. Good companions are calm bottom and mid-water fish such as Synodontis catfish, Congo tetras or elephantnose fish.31
The story where it all began
Wilhelm Peters described the species in 1876. It reached the European aquarium hobby in 1905 and has stayed popular since.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It can breathe air at the surface using a large, blood-rich swim bladder.2
- 2
It can leap and glide a short way above the water to catch insects or escape danger.2
- 3
Populations from the Niger and Congo basins look almost identical despite being separated genetically for tens of millions of years.2
- 4
Males have a curved edge to the anal fin while females have a straight one.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
- Least Concern (assessed 2019).1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an African Butterflyfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my African Butterflyfish?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding small amounts once or twice a day, every day. Since they are insect eaters, offer live insects like crickets or frozen foods such as bloodworm. Always check with a vet for exact amounts.321 Pet Wiki plan
What does an African Butterflyfish eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat live insects like crickets, plus bloodworm, brine shrimp, prawn and small mealworms at the surface. Flakes can be a small extra, but they should never be fed sinking foods or large pellets that they cannot catch at the surface.321
How much space does an African Butterflyfish need?
They need a tank with at least a 90 x 30 cm footprint, which is about 81 litres, and surface area matters more than depth. Floating plants are important for cover, so give them plenty of room to swim near the top.32
What temperature, light or water does an African Butterflyfish need?
Keep water at 23-30 C with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to medium hardness. The surface should be calm, and the lid must be tightly closed because they jump well. Furry Diary suggests checking temperature daily and testing water weekly.321 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean an African Butterflyfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan recommends a 25% water change every week, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter in old tank water (never tap water) once a month. Pet Wiki plan
Can an African Butterflyfish live with others?
Yes, they are generally peaceful with fish that stay away from the surface, like Synodontis catfish, Congo tetras or elephantnose fish. They can be territorial with their own kind or other surface dwellers, so a small group needs plenty of floating plants.31
How long does an African Butterflyfish live?
Their lifespan varies depending on care, so ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for specific details. With proper habitat and diet, they can live several years in a well-maintained tank.
Can I handle an African Butterflyfish?
No, you should never handle them as they are delicate and can be stressed or injured. They are best observed from outside the tank, and always keep the lid closed to prevent jumping.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Elephantnose FishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Pantodon buchholzi fishbase.seused for size, origin, IUCN, diet, history, activity
- Wikipedia: Freshwater butterflyfish en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, behaviour, diet, care, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Pantodon buchholzi seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, compatibility, dimorphism
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.