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Ancient Fish (Gar / Butterflyfish)
Lepisosteus spp. / Pantodon buchholzi
Ancient lineage fish displaying primitive morphology. Gars feature elongated snouts and strong predatory behavior; butterflyfish display surface-feeding habits. Both require spacious tanks to accommodate significant growth and behavioral needs.
Difficulty
-
Temperature
23〜28℃
About
"Ancient fish" is a collective term for primitive freshwater species that have survived for hundreds of millions of years with relatively little change in form; in the aquarium hobby this typically includes gars (Lepisosteus and related genera) and the African butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi). Gars, native to North and Central America, have elongated armored bodies, hard ganoid scales, and long crocodile-like snouts, and some species grow large enough to require very spacious tanks. The African butterflyfish, found in West Africa, spreads its large pectoral fins like wings and ambushes prey just beneath the water surface — a striking and unusual behavior. All of these fish are strongly carnivorous, favoring live foods or prepared foods for predatory fish, and care must be taken with tankmates small enough to be eaten. Ancient fish are generally hardy and long-lived, but their adult size, swimming space, and preference for calm surface water (low current, for surface-dwelling species) mean husbandry should be tailored to each species. Slightly acidic to neutral water with good filtration and regular water changes keeps them stable. When acquiring one, confirm the exact species and research its specific temperature, diet, and tank-size requirements individually.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
North and Central America (gars) and West Africa (African butterflyfish)
Temperature
23〜28℃
Care Guide
Ancient Fish (Gar / Butterflyfish) FAQ
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Regulations & Conservation Status
Domestic law: 本種に含まれるガー科(Lepisosteidae=ガーパイク全種)は2018年4月より外来生物法の特定外来生物に指定され、飼育・保管・運搬・販売・放出等が原則禁止(許可制)。バタフライフィッシュ Pantodon buchholzi は規制対象外。
ガー科(Lepisosteidae)のみが特定外来生物指定。複合 slug のため invasiveSpecies フラグは立てず note に範囲を限定。CITES は種特定不可で未記載。
Sources: 環境省 特定外来生物等一覧
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Ancient Fish (Gar / Butterflyfish) Listings
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