African Butterflyfish | Pantodon buchholzi
Choose the aquarium for the adult animal and its companions. A mature filter and stable, species-appropriate water conditions are essential.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Cameroon, Nigeria, Congo; freshwater habitats. |
| Adult size |
Approximately 12 cm body length (excluding the tail fin). |
| Temperament |
Surface predator; may eat fish that fit in its mouth |
| Activity |
Use a consistent light/dark cycle with sheltered resting places. |
| Social needs |
Choose companions sharing its adult size, water conditions and behaviour. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
At least 90 × 30 cm of floor area, around 90 litres at 30 cm water depth. Add space and volume for companions, furnishings and the planned adult group. |
| Enclosure type |
Mature freshwater aquarium, unless a different water type is specified below. |
| Temperature |
23–30°C |
| Water chemistry |
pH 6.0–7.5; hardness 5–15dGH |
| Substrate |
Species-appropriate sand or smooth gravel; avoid sharp material around bottom-dwelling fish. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Spacious covered aquarium with floating plants and calm surface |
Behaviour & Compatibility
Surface predator; may eat fish that fit in its mouth Check every proposed companion with our aquatic team and allow extra territory for breeding fish.
Feeding & Nutrition
A surface-feeding predator: offer suitable floating insect foods and appropriately sized live or frozen insects accepted by the fish. Confirm its established diet; sinking flakes alone are unsuitable. Keep a secure lid.
Routine Care
Check appetite, breathing, equipment and water temperature daily. Test water regularly; ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero. Make regular partial water changes using conditioned, temperature-matched water. Rinse biological filter media in removed tank water, preserving the filter bacteria.
Important Before Buying
Cycle the aquarium before collection. Confirm the current food and water conditions with our aquatic team and acclimatise gradually. Sale size is not adult size; stocking and filtration must account for the full-grown animal.
Image: AI-edited adaptation of a photograph by John P Friel, source, CC BY 4.0. Background and presentation altered; appearance of live fish may vary.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.
