African Butterfly Fish Care: Diet, Breeding, Tankmates & All

The African Butterfly Fish is a beautiful fish found in Africa. They are a member of the Cichlid family and have black bodies with yellow stripes. They can grow up to 6 inches long and make great pets. They are active fish and love to swim around, so they require a large tank. They are peaceful fish and do well in community tanks.

African Butterfly Fish are great fish. They are easy to care for and make good residents for any home aquarium. In this guide, you will learn almost everything that you should know about the African Butterfly Fish. This covers many topics like how to care for them, what they need in their tank, and how to keep them healthy.

We will also tell you about their diet and eating habits. These fish are unique, so add them to your tank soon! So, whether you are a first-time fishkeeper or an experienced aquarist, this guide has something essential for you to do.

African Butterfly Fish: Species Summary

Common Name:	African Butterfly Fish
Scientific Name:	Pantodon buchholzi
Family:	Cichlids
Origin:	Africa
Size:	Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Lifespan:	up to 6 years
Temperature range:	75° – 82 °F
pH range:	6.5-7.5
Minimum Tank size:	40 gallons
Care Level:	Easy to Moderate
Diet:	Omnivore

African Butterfly Fish are fantastic freshwater fish. They are colorful and active. They are very peaceful and humble fish. They reside peacefully in their environment along with plants and other animals.

They are easily available in the pet trade and are generally inexpensive. When choosing a fish for your aquarium, you need to keep a few things in mind. You need to look at the fish and decide if the fish you are thinking of getting is healthy or not.

You can identify a healthy fish by looking at its color, eyes, and fins. The fish should have a bright color, clear eyes, and intact fins.

You also need to make sure that the fish is not too skinny or too fat. A healthy fish will have a plump body with a bit of fat on its belly. An unhealthy or sick fish might have clamped fins, sunken eyes, and pale color. If the fish has any of these signs, do not buy it.

African Butterfly Fish: Appearance and Physical Characteristics

African Butterfly Fish are beautiful fish with black bodies and yellow stripes. They have long fins that make them stand out in any aquarium.

Their body is long and slender, and they have a long tail. The scales on their body are small, and they do not have any barbels on their head. Their eyes are large and black, and they have small mouths.

African Butterfly Fish: Lifespan

African Butterfly Fish can grow up to 6 inches long and typically weigh 2-3 ounces. They have a lifespan of up to 5 to 6 years. They can live a little longer if they are well cared for and have a good diet.

African Butterfly Fish: Origin and Distribution

African Butterfly Fish are native to Africa. They are found in rivers and streams throughout Africa. They have also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as South America and Asia.

They have become popular pets in countries like the United States and Australia.

Habitat

African Butterfly Fish prefer to live in freshwater rivers and streams. They do not do well in saltwater. They like to hide amongst the rocks and plants in their habitat and swim in all water levels.

African Butterfly Fish: Behavior and Temperament

African Butterfly Fish are peaceful fish that can be kept with other peaceful fish. They are not known to be aggressive towards other fish. African Butterfly Fish are social creatures and enjoy being in groups. It is best to keep them in groups of 6 or more.

African Butterfly Fish are active fish and enjoy swimming around the tank. They are not known to be fin nippers. Their behavior towards humans is peaceful, and they are not known to be aggressive. They will not swim away from you when you approach the tank.

Sexing the African Butterfly Fish

African Butterfly Fish can be sexed by looking at their anal fin. The male African Butterfly Fish has a thin, pointed anal fin, while the female’s anal fin is thicker and more rounded. Another way of telling whether a fish is a male or a female is by looking at its body shape. The male African Butterfly Fish is usually thinner and more streamlined, while the female is rounder and fuller-bodied.

African Cichlid Care Guide: Diet, Tankmates, Lifespan & All

African Butterfly Fish Care Guide

A detailed care guide for your African Butterfly Fish is explained below.

African Butterfly Fish: Food and Diet

African Butterfly Fish can be fed a variety of foods in captivity. They will eat most types of live and frozen food and flake food. They will eat pellets, flakes, and live foods. They should have a diet that is high in protein to help them grow and stay healthy.

A varied diet is essential to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Live foods like brine shrimp are a great addition to their diet.

Diet in the Wild

African Butterfly Fish are omnivores and will eat various foods in the wild. They eat small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. They will also eat algae and other parasites from other fish. Finding food in the wild is not a problem for these fish as they are opportunistic feeders.

Feeding Frequency

African Butterfly Fish should be fed a few times per day. They can eat a lot of food, so it is important to feed them often. They will eat most types of food, so you can space out their feedings throughout the day.

The amount of food they must be given at one time will depend on their size. A small fish will need 1-2 tablespoons of food per feeding, while a large fish will need 3-4 tablespoons. Overfeeding can lead to problems, so giving them as much food as they can in one sitting is important.

Different Feeding Methods

African Butterfly Fish can be fed a variety of foods using different methods. It is best to feed them in a calm area of the tank so they can eat without stress. Every method of feeding them is discussed below:

Feeding by Hand

One of the best ways to bond with your African Butterfly Fish is to feed them by hand. This can be done by using a small spoon or chopstick to drop food into the tank. You can also use a syringe without a needle to place food in the tank. Be sure only to give them as much food as they can eat at one time to avoid overfeeding.

Feeding by Net

A net can also feed African Butterfly Fish. This can be done by scooping food from the bottom of the tank and placing it in front of the fish. You can also use a net to feed them frozen food.

Feeding by Flakes

Flakes can also feed African Butterfly Fish. This can be done by sprinkling food on the surface of the water. The fish will see the food and come to the surface to eat.

African Butterfly Fish: Tank Mate

Tank and water requirements are the most crucial part of taking care of a fish. We shall see one by one each aspect.

Water Requirements

African Butterfly Fish require a water temperature of 72° to 86° Fahrenheit tank. The pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5, with a water hardness of 10-30 dGH.

The salinity should be 0.01-0.02%. The gravity should be between 1.010 and 1.020. The water should be well-oxygenated and have a good filter to keep it clean. The oxygen level should be between 6 and 8 mg/L.

Tank Parameters

African Butterfly Fish require a tank of at least 40 gallons. The tank should be long and have plenty of room for the fish to swim. The tank size also depends on the number of fish you have. You will need a larger tank if you have more than one African Butterfly Fish. A tank of 40 gallons or more is recommended for a single fish.

There are several types of tanks, including glass, acrylic, and plastic tanks. The shape of the tank can be rectangular, hexagonal, or bowed in front. The tank should have a lid to prevent the fish from jumping out.

Lighting Requirements

African Butterfly Fish do not require special lighting. They can live in various lighting conditions, but they prefer dimmer lighting. The tank should have a light turned on for 12 hours daily.

Filtration Requirements

The filter is essential for keeping the water clean and healthy for the fish. Filtration is needed not just to keep the water clean but to oxygenate it as well. The size of the filter depends upon the size of the tank. A small tank will need a small filter, while a large tank will need a large filter.

Heating Requirements

African Butterfly Fish require a heater to keep the water at the correct temperature. The size of the heater will depend upon the size of the tank. A small tank will need a small heater, while a large tank will need a large heater.

Ammonium and Nitrate Levels

African Butterfly Fish are susceptible to ammonia and nitrate levels. The levels should be kept as low as possible to prevent stress and illness in the fish. Ammonia and nitrate poisoning can kill African Butterfly Fish. The level should not exceed 0.25 ppm.

Breeding and Reproduction

African Butterfly Fish are not difficult to breed in captivity. The process begins with the male and female fish chasing each other around the tank. The female will then lay several eggs on a flat surface. The male will then fertilize the eggs.

Breeding requirements

African Butterfly Fish require a tank of at least 40 gallons. The tank should be well-planted with plenty of hiding places for the fish.

The water should be soft and acidic, with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The water temperature should be kept between 72° to 86° F. African Butterfly Fish can be bred in a community tank, but keeping them in a separate breeding tank is best.

Conditioning The Parents

The parents should be conditioned with live foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. This will help to increase their fertility. You should also give them the right atmosphere to breed. A male and female should be introduced to each other, and the tank should be dimly lit. The water temperature should also be increased by a few degrees.

Eggs and Incubation

The gestation period for African Butterfly Fish is around 24-48 hours. The eggs should be incubated in an aquarium with soft, acidic water. The number of eggs that are laid varies and can be anywhere from 10-200. The eggs should be monitored daily and removed when they hatch.

Parental Care

The male and female African Butterfly Fish will take turns caring for the eggs and fry. The fry will be free-swimming after 3-4 days. The fry is very small and is protected by its parents.

How to Take Care of Fry

The fry should be fed a diet of live or commercial food. They can be fed 3-4 times per day. The fry should be kept in a separate tank until they are big enough to be moved to the main tank. African Butterfly Fish are slow growers and can take up to a year to reach their full size.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Their Environment

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the tank are essential for the health of the fish. We shall see one by one each aspect of cleaning and maintenance.

Cleaning the Tank

The tank should be cleaned regularly to remove debris, uneaten food, waste, and algae. The process of cleaning the tank is quite simple and easy. The first step involved is to remove all the water from the tank.

Next, you need to remove all substrate and decorations. Now all you need is a mild detergent and scrub. Scrub the sides and bottom of the tank with the detergent. Rinse well with fresh water and replace the decorations and substrate.

Finally, add fresh water to the tank and replace the fish. Ensure there is no residue or debris left in the tank, as it may be dangerous for the fish.

Cleaning the Filter

The filter should be cleaned regularly to remove debris, uneaten food, and waste. The process of cleaning the filter is quite simple and easy. The first step involved is to remove the filter from the tank.

Next, you need to rinse the filter media in clean water. Now all you need is a mild detergent and scrub. Scrub the media with the detergent. Rinse well with fresh water and replace the filter back in the tank. Finally, add fresh water to the tank and replace the fish.

Replacing the Filter Cartridge

The filter cartridge should be replaced regularly to ensure proper tank filtration. The frequency of replacement will depend upon the type of filter cartridge used. Some filter cartridges need to be replaced monthly, while others must be replaced every 3-6 months.

Cleaning the gravel

The gravel should be cleaned regularly to remove debris, uneaten food, and waste. You should wash gravel properly before adding it to your tank. This will remove all the dirt, impurities, and toxins from the gravel.

Water Changes

Water changes are also essential for keeping the tank clean and healthy for the fish. The frequency of water changes depends upon several factors, including the size of the tank, the number of fish, and the type of filter.

You should change at least 25% of the water in the tank every week. You can also do a complete water change every month.

Transportation and Handling

You should take utmost care and precaution when transporting or handling African Butterfly Fish. The fish are very delicate and can easily get injured. It would be best if you avoided abrupt changes in water temperature and pH levels. When transferring the fish from one container to another, you should use a net and slowly scoop them up.

Do not handle the fish by their body or fins. Gently place them in their new tank and release them into the water. Also, make sure to have a backup tank ready for emergencies. You should also acclimate the fish to their new environment before releasing them into the tank.

Right Things to Add to Your Tank

The right things are very important to add to your tank. Everything that goes into a tank must be on the need of the fish. If anything not meant for your fish is added, it might become a potential hazard to your fish.

Substrate and Gravel

The substrate and gravel you choose must be to the needs of your fish. The substrate should be smooth and not too rough. The gravel should also be of a suitable size so that the fish can easily swim through it. The best kind of gravel would be one that is rounded and has no sharp edges.

Filter

African Butterfly Fish require a filter that can turn over the water at least ten times per hour. The filter should also have good media to help remove ammonia and nitrates from the water. You can use various filters, such as a canister, hang-on-back, or sponge filter.

A canister filter is a good option for an African Butterfly Fishtank as it provides good filtration and is easy to maintain. A hang-on-back filter is also a good option, but it might not be able to provide as much filtration as a canister filter. A sponge filter is a good option if you have a small tank, as it is affordable and does not require much maintenance.

Heater

African Butterfly Fish require a heater to maintain their body temperature. The heater should be set at 78° to 80° Fahrenheit. You can use an ordinary household heater to heat the water in the tank.

Lighting

African Butterfly Fish require moderate lighting for their tank. You can use fluorescent or LED light to provide the necessary lighting for the tank.

Plants and Decorations

The decorations should be placed in such a way that the fish can easily swim through them. You should avoid using any sharp or pointed objects as they may injure the fish. Add decorations like driftwood, artificial plants, and caves to the tank.

African Butterfly Fish require live plants in their tank. The plants should be sturdy and able to withstand the high water pressure in the tank. Some good plant choices for an African Butterfly Fishtank include java moss, anubias, and hornwort.

Protein Skimmer

A protein skimmer is a device used to remove proteins from the water. This is important as it helps to keep the water clean and clear. A protein skimmer is not necessary for an African Butterfly Fishtank, but it is a good option.

Gravel Vacuum

A gravel vacuum is a tool that is used to clean the gravel in the tank. It helps to remove any waste or detritus that may be present in the rock.

A gravel vacuum is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended as it makes cleaning the stone very easy. It has a long hose reaching all tank areas and a vacuum attachment that sucks up the debris.

Test Kits

Test kits are important to have in order to test the water quality. This is important as it helps you keep the water clean and free of harmful toxins. Test kits are available at most pet stores or online.

Water Conditioner

African Butterfly Fish require a water conditioner to remove any chemicals from the water. This is important as it helps to keep the water clean and safe for the fish. A good water conditioner will also remove any heavy metals from the water.

A water conditioner is a very important piece of equipment to have, and it should be used every time you change the water in the tank.

What are the diseases they can have?

African Butterfly Fish can be susceptible to a number of diseases. Some of the most common diseases are:

• Ichthysopthirius multifiliis (Ich)- Ich is a parasitic disease that can be fatal to fish. It is caused by a single-celled organism that attaches itself to the fish’s skin. Symptoms include white spots on the fish’s body, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
• Oodinium ocellatum ( Velvet Disease)- This is another parasitic disease that is caused by a single-celled organism. Symptoms include gold or brown dust on the fish’s body, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
• Mycobacterium marinum ( Fish Tuberculosis)- This bacterial disease can be fatal to fish. It is characterized by lesions on the fish’s body, weight loss, and lethargy.
• Edwardsiella tarda (Enteric Redmouth Disease)- This bacterial disease affects the fish’s digestive system. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Finrot- This is a bacterial infection that affects the fish’s fins. Symptoms include redness and swelling around the fins and loss of fin tissue.
• Dropsy- It is a bacterial disease affecting the fish’s internal organs. Symptoms include bloating, scales standing on end, and lethargy.
• Swim Bladder Disease- This condition affects the fish’s swim bladder. The swim bladder is an organ that helps the fish to stay afloat. Symptoms include swimming in circles, floating upside down, and having difficulty swimming.

Treatments and Medications

There are several treatments and medications available to treat the diseases listed above. Some of the most common treatments are:

• Malachite Green- This antibiotic is used to treat Ich, Velvet Disease, and Fish Tuberculosis.
• Copper Sulfate- This is an antibiotic that is used to treat Ich and Velvet Disease.
• Formaldehyde- This is a chemical that is used to treat Ich and Velvet Disease.
• Kanamycin- This is an antibiotic that is used to treat Enteric Redmouth Disease.
• Penicillin- This is an antibiotic that is used to treat Finrot and Dropsy.

How do you prevent diseases?

The best way to prevent diseases is to quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank. This will help to prevent the spread of disease. You should also keep the tank clean and well-maintained. Change the water regularly and use a filter to remove debris and waste.

You can also treat the tank with medication if you suspect that your fish are infected with a disease. Always consult with a veterinarian before treating your fish with medication.

What are the advantages of having them in your tank?

African Butterfly Fish is a beautiful addition to any tank. They are also very peaceful fish and will not bother other fish in the tank. They are slow-growing fish and can take up to a year to reach their full size. This makes them a good choice for beginners. They are also easy to care for and do not require a lot of maintenance.

Disadvantages of having them in your tank

African Butterfly Fish can be susceptible to several diseases. They are also slow-growing fish and can take up to a year to reach their full size. They can also jump out of the tank. They are shy and might not bond with you. They also require a lot of space.

FAQs Related To African Butterfly Fish

Summary

African Butterfly Fish are beautiful fish that require a lot of care and maintenance. You should keep the water clean and healthy for the fish by performing regular water changes and using a filter. They can be susceptible to a number of diseases, so it is important to keep the tank clean and healthy.

The African Butterfly Fish will be a fantastic pet in your tank. They will make many offsprings. You must provide them with a high-protein diet to ensure their healthy development. When purchasing these fish, be sure to ask the storekeeper about their health and diet needs so you can adequately care for them.

Thank you for reading our care guide on the African Butterfly Fish. We hope that this guide is comprehensive and will help you ahead. We also advise you to do your research correctly and add this stunning fish to your tank.