Butterfly

The Pantodon buchholzi has an unusual appearance, reminiscent of prehistoric fish. Its body is laterally compressed, the back is flattened, and the mouth is superior and very wide, lined with small teeth. The pectoral fins are highly developed and resemble wings, allowing the fish to leap above the water surface. Its coloration is cryptic: chocolate-brown with a marbled pattern of spots and streaks. In an aquarium, these fish reach a size of about 10–12 cm. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the structure of the anal fin: in males, it has a deep notch, while in females, the fin edge is almost straight or slightly convex.

The species inhabits tropical waters of West Africa, including the Niger and Congo river basins. In nature, it lives in stagnant or slow-moving waters: swamps, overgrown ponds, and river backwaters with abundant floating and overhanging vegetation. It prefers areas with soft, slightly acidic water, rich in humic substances. The fish is predominantly crepuscular, hunting near the water surface.

The African Butterflyfish is a specialized predator, spending most of its time near the surface awaiting prey. Intraspecific behavior can be territorial, so in small aquariums, it is recommended to keep a single specimen or a pair. It is compatible with peaceful fish that inhabit the middle and lower water layers and are not perceived as food. It should not be kept with active or aggressive species capable of nipping fins, as the Pantodon has a slow reaction time and vulnerable long fin rays.

For keeping, an aquarium with a large surface area and a volume of 80–100 liters or more is necessary. It is critically important to have a tight-fitting lid, as the fish is capable of high jumps. An air gap should be left between the water surface and the lid. Lighting should be subdued, which can be achieved by using floating plants. Water parameters: temperature 23–30 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 5–15 dGH. Weak filtration is required, avoiding strong currents.

The Pantodon is an obligate predator, feeding exclusively from the water surface. Its diet should primarily consist of live or frozen insects, such as crickets, fruit flies, and mosquito larvae. In aquarium conditions, it can be accustomed to high-quality floating pellets for carnivorous fish, but dry foods should not be the sole source of nutrition. Feeding should be done 1–2 times a day in small portions.

Breeding presents some difficulty. Spawning is stimulated by lowering the water level for several weeks, followed by raising it and using soft, acidic water. The eggs are pelagic and float to the surface. After spawning, the parents must be removed, as they are prone to eating their offspring. Fry require very fine live food and stable water parameters, making their rearing a laborious process.

The species is sensitive to sudden changes in hydrochemical water parameters and environmental quality. Under poor keeping conditions, bacterial infections and fungal fin lesions may develop. Prevention includes maintaining cleanliness, regular water changes, and eliminating stress factors. It is important to monitor for injuries that may occur from jumping in aquariums without a lid.

When purchasing, select active specimens with intact fins and no visible skin damage. It is important to ensure that the fish shows interest in food offered at the water surface. Avoid specimens with signs of emaciation or unnatural behavior (constant presence at the bottom). It is recommended to clarify in advance whether the fish is accustomed to non-live foods.