Pantadon Butterfly

Pantadon Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)
A dramatic surface-dwelling predator with wing-like fins and prehistoric charm

The Pantadon Butterfly Fish is one of the most unique freshwater species in the hobby. Instantly recognisable by its wide, wing-shaped pectoral fins and flattened body, this African surface predator spends most of its time hovering just beneath the waterline. It feeds primarily on insects and floating foods, often striking from below with surprising speed. Best suited to calm aquariums with minimal surface agitation, the Butterfly Fish adds an incredible “top-level” focal point to carefully planned setups. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as they are strong jumpers.

Need to Know:

• Recommended For: Experienced aquarists and species-focused aquariums

• Minimum Tank Size: 120 litres

• Temperature Range: 24–28°C

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Recommended School Size: Best kept singly or as a compatible pair

• Compatibility: Peaceful but predatory; will eat small surface-dwelling fish

• Max Size: 12–15 cm

Shipping Disclaimer:

All fish are usually shipped on Monday or Tuesday mornings via an overnight courier. We use NZ Couriers for all livestock shipping, we find they handle your fish with the best possible care and have quick overnight delivery nationwide.

Special Requests:

If you have any requests for gender/colour etc we will do our best to accommodate them. Please note we can not always accommodate every request due to high stock turnover and what is available at the time. We move all fish sold online into separate holding tanks while they wait to be shipped.

Rural Shipping:

Good news! If you are a rural customer, we can still ship fish to you. Your order will be shipped to your nearest NZ Couriers Depot or Collect/Send Point and you will be phoned once it arrives. You can find your nearest depot/point here: https://nzcextras.co.nz/nearestlocation/