About African Butterfly Fish

The African Butterfly Fish is a unique, ancient predator that hunts from the water surface. With large pectoral fins that resemble butterfly wings and incredible eyes positioned on top of their head, these ambush predators wait motionless for prey to pass overhead. Native to West Africa, they are specialized surface hunters that eat insects and small fish. They require live foods, specialized care, and should not be kept with tank mates that fit in their mouths. Their fascinating hunting behavior makes them worth the effort for dedicated hobbyists.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

African Butterfly Fish need specialized surface-oriented tanks.

Essential Setup:

  • 30+ gallons
  • Low water level (can jump 6+ feet)
  • EXTREMELY tight lid required
  • Floating plants for security
  • Driftwood at surface
  • Dim lighting

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-12 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Require live foods primarily:

  • Live insects: Crickets, flies, moths (preferred)
  • Small fish: Livebearers, small tetras
  • Frozen alternatives: Sometimes accepted
  • Surface feeding: All food must float

Feeding Challenge: Most will only eat live foods long-term.

Hunting Behavior

Fascinating predatory behavior:

  • Ambush predator: Waits motionless at surface
  • Top-mounted eyes: See prey above water
  • Lightning fast strike: Cannot be seen
  • Aerial hunting: Can catch insects above water
  • Nocturnal: Most active at dawn/dusk

Behavior & Compatibility

Predatory and specialized:

  • Surface dweller: Never leaves top
  • Predatory: Eats anything that fits in mouth
  • Territorial: Defends surface area
  • Aggressive: To similar-sized surface fish

Safe Tank Mates (Few options):

  • Large bottom dwellers (large plecos)
  • Large cichlids (too big to eat)
  • Fast mid-water fish (if plenty of space)

Never With:

  • Any fish under 3 inches
  • Shrimp
  • Top-dwelling fish
  • Slow fish

Jumping Ability

  • Can jump: 6+ feet out of water
  • Insect hunting: Jump to catch flying insects
  • Lid essential: Absolutely must have secure lid
  • Escape artists: Will find any gap

Historical Note

  • Ancient fish: Little changed in millions of years
  • Primitive characteristics: Retain ancient features
  • Specialized predator: Highly evolved hunting

Breeding

Rarely bred in captivity:

  • Egg layers: Eggs float
  • Difficult: Specialized requirements
  • Not common: Commercial breeding limited

Tips for Success

  • Species only tank recommended
  • Provide live insects
  • Extremely secure lid (test it!)
  • Dim lighting preferred
  • Fascinating to watch hunt
  • Not for beginners

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 None recommended