How to Identify African Butterfly Fish

To identify African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Generally brownish to olive-green on the dorsal surface, fading to a lighter, often silvery or yellowish belly. The body is mottled with darker spots or irregular patterns, providing camouflage among floating vegetation. Fins are often translucent with some darker markings.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Greatly enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins, Upturned mouth, Flattened dorsal surface, Long, filamentous pelvic fins, Large, prominent eyes

Dorsal fin

Small, set far back on the body, close to the caudal fin.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate, often with a central ray extending slightly.

Pectoral fin

Greatly enlarged and fan-like, resembling wings, used for gliding and short aerial leaps.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are long and filamentous, extending well beyond the anal fin origin, often with 4 rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Pectoral Fins

   The most striking feature; large, wing-like pectoral fins that are held horizontally, giving the fish its 'butterfly' appearance. No other freshwater fish in its range possesses such prominent, wing-like pectoral fins.

2. 2

   Mouth Position

   Distinctly upturned mouth, indicating its surface-feeding predatory nature. The lower jaw protrudes significantly.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Extremely flattened dorsal surface and a relatively deep body laterally, making it appear almost triangular from a frontal view.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fins

   Long, filamentous pelvic fins that extend far back along the body.

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