African Butterfly Fish

Description of Fish

African butterfly fish are small, no more than 13 cm (5.1 in) in length, with very large pectoral fish. It has a large and well-vascularized swim bladder, enabling it to breathe air at the surface of the water. It is carnivorous, feeding primarily on aquatic insects and smaller fishes.

The African butterflyfish is a specialized surface hunter. Its eyes are constantly trained to the surface and its upturned mouth is specifically adapted to capture small prey glide along the water's surface. If enough speed is built up in the water, a butterflyfish can jump and g a small distance above the surface to avoid predation. It also wiggles its pectoral fins as it glides, with the help of specialized, enlarged pectoral muscles, the ability which earned the fish its common name.

When African butterflyfish spawn, they produce a mass of large floating eggs at the surface. Fertilisation is believed to be internal. Eggs hatch in about seven days.

Interesting Facts

Strips for camouflaging well.

Its fins are silvery brown shade and are marked with dark lines, earning the name 'african butterfly fish'

Importance of role in the eco system

To balance the eco-system

Food chain

Oats-> Crickets->African Butterfly Fish -> Shark

Threats

There are currently no threats available

Conservation

There seems to be no conservation for this species.