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Pantodon buchholzi
Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on African Butterfly Fish - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
African Butterfly Fish requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
The African Butterfly Fish is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 55 gallons. Adults reach about 5 inches and live 5-10 years. African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) is a intermediate-care freshwater species that thrives in tanks of 55 gallons or larger with stable parameters. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.
African Butterfly Fish reaches 5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-10 years with proper care. The minimum is based on 5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
African Butterfly Fish is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new African Butterfly Fish for 4 weeks before adding to display. African Butterfly Fish prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
African Butterfly Fish taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.
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