African bonytongue vs Freshwater butterflyfish: can they live together?

Verdict: Not recommended

  • The Freshwater butterflyfish is aggressive towards other fish.
  • The African bonytongue is aggressive towards other fish.
  • An adult African bonytongue is about 9 times the length of a Freshwater butterflyfish and may eat it.
  • Both are comfortable at 24–30°C (75–86°F).
  • A pH of 6.7–7.5 suits both.

Side by side

African bonytongueFreshwater butterflyfish
Adult size100 cm (39 in)11 cm (4.3 in)
Minimum tank455 L (120 US gal)75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature24–30°C (75–86°F)24–30°C (75–86°F)
pH6.7–7.56.7–7.5
Hardness4–12 dGH (71–214 ppm)2–10 dGH (36–178 ppm)
TemperamentAggressiveAggressive
Care levelDifficult–
DietCarnivoreCarnivore

Species profiles