What size tank does an African butterfly fish need?
At least 40 gallons (150 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pantodon buchholzi.
How many African butterfly fish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if African butterfly fish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many African butterfly fish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | 1 |
| 55 gallon | 1 |
| 75 gallon | 1 |
| 125 gallon | up to 3 |
Check African butterfly fish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.
- It eats fish small enough to swallow. Choose tankmates at least half its length.
Tank mates for African butterfly fish
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Dwarf neon rainbowfish
- Boeseman's rainbowfish
- Congo tetra
- Rummy-nose tetra
- German blue ram
- Sterba's corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Kuhli loach
Poor matches
- Neon tetra: African butterfly fish (about 5 in) can eat neon tetra (about 1.4 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat African butterfly fish (about 5 in).
- Molly: They need different water: African butterfly fish likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank does an African butterfly fish need?
At least 40 gallons (150 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many African butterfly fish should be kept together?
One is fine. An African butterfly fish does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.
Can African butterfly fish live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. African butterfly fish needs at least 40 gallons (150 liters).
What temperature do African butterfly fish need?
75–86 °F (24–30 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can African butterfly fish live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 40 gallons (150 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.