Pantodon

Pantodon buchholzi, commonly known as the butterflyfish or butterfly perch, is a freshwater fish native to West Africa. It is the sole member of the genus Pantodon and the family Pantodontidae. These fish are characterized by their distinctive large, wing-like pectoral fins, which give them their common name and allow them to glide short distances above the water's surface to escape predators or catch prey.

Pantodons are surface dwellers and prefer slow-moving, oxygen-rich waters, often found in swamps, marshes, and stagnant pools. They are predatory carnivores, feeding primarily on insects and other small invertebrates that fall into or land on the water's surface. Their large, upturned mouths are well-adapted for this feeding strategy.

In terms of appearance, Pantodons have a flattened body shape and a broad head. Their coloration typically varies from olive green to brownish, providing camouflage against the substrate. Sexual dimorphism is present, with females generally being larger and possessing a broader body than males. They are oviparous, laying eggs that hatch after a short period. While not a commonly farmed fish, they are sometimes kept in large, well-maintained aquariums by experienced aquarists due to their unique behavior and appearance.