A
African Butterfly Fish
Pantodon buchholzi
VS
S
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Choosing between African Butterfly Fish and Swordtail? 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
Swordtail
Xiphophorus helleriiCommon Name
African Butterfly Fish
Swordtail
Scientific Name
Pantodon buchholzi
Xiphophorus hellerii
Type
Freshwater
Freshwater
Difficulty
Advanced
Beginner Friendly
Temperament
Aggressive
Peaceful
Minimum Tank
30 gallons
15 gallons
Recommended Tank
40 gallons
29 gallons
Temperature
75°F - 82°F
72°F - 82°F
pH Range
6 - 7.5
7 - 8.4
Max Size
5 inches
5.5 inches
Lifespan
5-8 years
3-5 years
Diet
Live insects, Crickets, Flies, Small fish, Frozen foods
High-quality flake food, Algae-based foods, Vegetable matter, Frozen bloodworms, Brine shrimp, Daphnia
African Butterfly Fish
✓ Good For
Swordtail
✓ Good For
- Community tanks
- Beginners
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