The Butterflyfish is a carnivorous surface-dwelling fish. The mouth is wide and up-turned, and the pectoral fins are large and wing-like. Body coloring is a marbled brown and beige.

Tank Setup

The tank need not be large, but Butterflyfishes are nervous fish and need floating plants to help them feel secure. A strong current is not needed, but a tight fitting lid is, as these fish are excellent jumpers. Provide good filtration

Feeding

These fish are carnivorous predators that need a meaty diet. Chopped beefheart is accepted, as are prepared foods such as flakes and pellets. Floating foods are best, as this fish's moutn is designed to snatch food from above, and may not venture to the lower parts of the tank, or even see for that has sunken to the bottom. Do not keep them with fishes small enough to fit into their large mouths.

Water Chemistry

An acidic pH with soft, well-filtered water is required.

Breeding

When the fish spawns, the female will lay up to 200 eggs which float on the surface. Hatching takes less than two days and the fry are difficult to feed and raise. Food must float right in front of the fry in order for them to eat.