MISC – AFRICAN BUTTERFLY
Pantodon buchholzi

$29.99

The African Butterflyfish are found in slow moving lakes and swamps of western Africa. Named for its elaborate pectoral fins that resemble a butterfly when viewed from above, the African butterfly makes a unique addition into the properly curated freshwater community tank. Generally peaceful (see Care Requirements below), the main consideration for an African butterfly is to ensure that other tank mates aren’t tempted to nip at its fins. An adult African butterfly can reach a size of approximately 4-1/2″.

Description

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The African Butterflyfish are found in slow moving lakes and swamps of western Africa. Named for its elaborate pectoral fins that resemble a butterfly when viewed from above, the African butterfly makes a unique addition into the properly curated freshwater community tank. Generally peaceful (see Care Requirements below), the main consideration for an African butterfly is to ensure that other tank mates aren’t tempted to nip at its fins. An adult African butterfly can reach a size of approximately 4-1/2″.

Diet Requirements: African butterflys are insectivores by nature, thus a diet primarily made up of protein is needed. Various frozen and live foods including bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms and mealworms are desirable. African butterflys may also accept high quality floating pellet foods, though these should not make up the bulk of their diet. Keep in mind that this species is predominately a surface feeder, so observation is needed at feeding time to make sure your African butterfly is getting what it needs.

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single African butterfly or a group of smaller individuals. As these grow, an aquarium upgrade may be required. A tight fitting lid is necessary as these fish can jump. African butterflys cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters ideal (Nitrates < 30 ppm). African butterflys do not like excessive water movement. They are generally peaceful and can be compatible with a wide variety of fish except for other surface-dwelling species for which they may act aggressively toward; tank mates in other areas of the water column, so long as they are not too small to be eaten and will ignore the fins of an African butterfly, can be kept with no issue. This includes species of larger and peaceful tetra, barb, bottom-dwellers, and certain South American or African cichlids. Multiple African butterflys can be kept together, however all individuals should be introduced at the same time for the best chance of success. Floating plants can also help to deter squabbling between individuals. Recommended water conditions, 74-84° F, KH 5-15, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2” to 2-3/4″; Large: 3″ to 3-1/2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.

Shipping & Delivery

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.