Pantodon buchholzi

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Butterfly Fish
Butterfly Fish
Species	Pantodon buchholzi
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	37.854 liters 37,854.118 mL 10 US Gallons (37.9L)
Size	10.16 cm 3-4 " (7.6-10.2cm)
pH	6.0 - 7.5
Temp.	296.15 K 73.4 °F 533.07 °R 303.15 K 86 °F 545.67 °R23 -30 °C (73.4-86°F)
Water Hardness	2-10
Stocking Ratio	1:1 M:F
Availability	Uncommon
Diet	Carnivore Live Foods
Life Span	3-5 years

[edit] Alternative names

Butterfly Fish, Freshwater Butterflyfish, African Butterflyfish

[edit] Sexing

The male has a concave anal fin, whereas the female has a convex anal fin.

[edit] Tank compatibility

A top-dwelling carnivorous hunter, will eat smaller fish and has a surprisingly large mouth. Tankmates need to be considered carefully, not only must they not be small enough to be eaten, but must also not be nippy as the Butterfly Fish has long fins and is not a very active swimmer. They should also ideally be mid-bottom dwellers, if indeed any tankmates are kept at all.

[edit] Diet

The diet includes flakes, live foods such bloodworm and brine shrimp, and they are capable of eating fish as large as a neon tetra.

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

They prefer soft and acidic water with lots of floating vegetation and a slow current. A temperature of 74-86°F (23.3-30°C) is preferred. Use a tight-fitting cover glass, they will jump at the slightest provocation, although some plant or a piece of cork bark floating on the surface helps to discouraging this.

[edit] Behaviour

Will spend almost all of it's time near the surface, patiently waiting for something to come into reach to get eaten.

[edit] Identification

This fish is mottled brown in colouration with large ventral fin extensions about 3-4" (7.6-10.2cm) long.

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Badmans Tropical Fish