A
African Butterfly Fish
Pantodon buchholzi
VS
M
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
Choosing between African Butterfly Fish and Molly? Both are excellent choices, but they have different care requirements and temperaments. Use the detailed comparison below to make an informed decision based on your experience level, tank size, and community goals.
African Butterfly Fish
Pantodon buchholziVS
Molly
Poecilia sphenopsCommon Name
African Butterfly Fish
Molly
Scientific Name
Pantodon buchholzi
Poecilia sphenops
Type
Freshwater
Freshwater
Difficulty
Advanced
Beginner Friendly
Temperament
Aggressive
Peaceful
Minimum Tank
30 gallons
20 gallons
Recommended Tank
40 gallons
30 gallons
Temperature
75°F - 82°F
75°F - 82°F
pH Range
6 - 7.5
7.5 - 8.5
Max Size
5 inches
4.5 inches
Lifespan
5-8 years
3-5 years
Diet
Live insects, Crickets, Flies, Small fish, Frozen foods
High-quality vegetable-based flake food, Algae wafers, Spirulina, Blanched vegetables, Frozen daphnia, Bloodworms
African Butterfly Fish
✓ Good For
Molly
✓ Good For
- Community tanks
- Beginners
Explore More
Similar Comparisons
Discover other popular fish pairings to find your perfect aquarium match.