African Butterflyfish

African Butterflyfish

The African butterfly fish is a specialized surface insect hunter and can actually glide a couple feet, so a tank cover is required. Freshwater butterfly fish are suitable with other species of similar size, these fish will eat small tank mates that fit in their mouth. Butterfly fish also have a single lung along with the gills that allows them to spend their entire life near the water surface.

Freshwater butterfly fish are one of the most ancient species available in the trade. Feed them flies and crickets along with floating foods and they will be happy. They look like the freshwater version of the saltwater lion fish.