Butterfly Catfish: The Dainty and Unconventional Freshwater Ornament (2025 Guide)

The butterfly catfish is a fascinating freshwater aquarium fish with its dainty fins and gentle disposition. It is extremely favored among aquarists for its unique shape and easy maintenance requirements.

In this 2025 guide, we shall explore everything one needs to know about butterfly catfish, including their environment, feeding habits, aquarium notes, socializing habits, water conditions, companions, and many more.

What is a Butterfly Catfish?

Butterfly catfish (general name for several species like Hara hara and Auchenoglanis occidentalis) is a mild, bottom-dwelling freshwater fish.

It is so named because its butterfly-shaped pectoral fins resemble the shape of butterfly wings when it expands them fully. It is amiable in nature, nocturnal, and abnormally shaped.

Quick Bio Table

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Hara hara / Auchenoglanis occidentalis
Common Name	Butterfly Catfish
Origin	Asia, Africa
Size	3-12 inches (varies by species)
Lifespan	5-10 years
Diet	Omnivorous
Temperament	Peaceful, bottom-dweller
Tank Size	Minimum 30 gallons
Water Temperature	72-78°F (22-26°C)
Water pH	6.5-7.5
Water Hardness	Soft to medium
Activity Level	Nocturnal

Natural Habitat

Butterfly catfish live in slow-moving rivers, streams, and lakes with soft sandy or muddy bottoms. They prefer areas that are rich in driftwood, rocks, and vegetation cover where they can hide and be protected from predators. They are nocturnal creatures, active at night and with low lighting needs.

Diet and Feeding

Butterfly catfish are omnivorous, and therefore they eat plant and animal foods. A balanced diet maintains them healthy and active.

Best Foods for Butterfly Catfish:

• Sinking pellets or tablets (for bottom feeders)
• Live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
• Chopped earthworms or small insects
• Zucchini, cucumber, and spinach (vegetables)
• Algae wafers for additional nutrients

Feeding Tips:

• Feed once or twice a day, ideally in the evening.
• Use sinking food because they prefer to graze at the bottom of the tank.
• Remove uneaten food from the tank to prevent contamination.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

A proper tank setup and water condition are crucial for the health of your butterfly catfish.

Best Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• pH Level: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to medium
• Ammonia & Nitrites: 0 ppm (toxic levels can be fatal)
• Nitrate Levels: Less than 20 ppm

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons for the smaller species, 50+ gallons for the larger ones
• Substrate: Fine sand or fine gravel to mimic their native habitat
• Filtration: A soft but efficient filter (sponge filters or canister filters are best)
• Lighting: Dim or subdued lighting to suit their nocturnal nature
• Hiding Places: Add driftwood, caves, and live plants to offer hiding places
• Water Current: Soft water current (do not use high currents)

Social Nature of Butterfly Catfish

Butterfly catfish are calm and timid fish and are an ideal species for community tanks. They are bottom dwellers and prefer to be out of the way during the day but active in the night.

Key Behavior Traits:

• Relaxed and will not bother other fish.
• Prefer to be in small groups (3-5 individuals for their well-being).
• Nighttime activity – they will become more active under low light.
• Hiding places – driftwood and caves are a must.

Good Tank Mates for Butterfly Catfish

Since butterfly catfish are peaceful, they can be kept together with other peaceful, non-violent fish.

Ideal Tank Mates:

• Tetras (Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras)
• Corydoras Catfish
• Gouramis (Dwarf Gourami, Pearl Gourami)
• Mollies and Platies
• Loaches (Kuhli Loach, Yoyo Loach)
• Other peaceful bottom dwellers
• Horrible Tank Mates to Steer Clear of
• Never place butterfly catfish with hyperactive, aggressive, or large fish since they will stress them.

Fish to Steer Clear of:

• Cichlids (especially aggressive types such as Oscars)
• Arowanas (too large and too aggressive)
• Barbs (nip at fins on some species)
• Red-Tailed Sharks (aggressive and territorial)
• Betta Fish (harass bottom-dwellers)

Breeding Butterfly Catfish

It is difficult to breed butterfly catfish in captivity and is rarely successful. They require special water conditions, hiding places, and a well-controlled environment.

Breeding Challenges:

• Need hiding places for egg-laying
• Other fish will eat eggs
• Fry need a specialized diet (infusoria, baby brine shrimp)
• If you are serious about breeding, then have a dedicated breeding tank with ideal conditions.

Conclusion

Butterfly catfish is an exquisite, gentle, and low-maintenance freshwater fish. If you provide the proper tank setup, diet, and tankmates, they can do well in home aquariums. If you want a peculiar bottom-dweller with a peaceful temperament, this fish is an excellent option.

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