Butterfly fish

[MrBichir]

Hi there I reacently bought two African butterfly fish and 5 head and tail light tetra do you know if the butterfly fish will eat the tetra?

 

[Deadeye]

How big are each and in what size tank?
If there is a huge size difference between the butterfly and the tetras, it’s possible. Full grown both should be okay.
Tetras also spend most of their time on the middle of the tank, whereas the butterfly is an insect eater and is almost always at the surface.
Of course, there are no guarantees when dealing with fish.

 

[MrBichir]

Thanks for the help there is only half an inch difference but will keep an eye on both fish

 

[Deadeye]

Should be good for now. If the butterfly starts really outpacing the tetras in growth you may run into issues, but for now it’s good. The butterfly can hit 5 inches. Tetras do grow very fast though, so they should be big enough before the butterfly can cause any problems.

 

[MrBichir]

Ok thanks for the help

 

[MrBichir]

Would a festivum do well in that tank

 

[Deadeye]

I don’t have much knowledge on festivums, so I wouldn’t really be of much help there and don’t want to steer you in the wrong direction.
Welcome to the forum btw!

 

[MrBichir]

Ok thanks for the help anyway

 

[duanes]

The festivum (if starting out small)(and depending on what species) . should be OK until it reaches adult size, but even then as adults , they are not very adept at predation. (they are more insect eaters)
Some species of Mesonauta (all known by the commerci monikerfestivum) (there are 6 described, and another 2 in limbo) reach 8" which will outgrow a 60 gal, Some species (mirificus, or insignias) are said to only reach 4-5" and better suited for that size tank.

 

[MrBichir]

Ok thanks for all your help