Pantodontidae

views updated

Pantodontidae (freshwater butterfly fish; superorder Osteoglossomorpha, order Osteoglossiformes) A monospecific family (Pantodon buchholzi) of small, freshwater fish that have a straight dorsal outline, keel-shaped belly, large scales, and a large, obliquely orientated mouth. The species is of interest because of its large, wing-like, pectoral fins, supported by special muscles capable of moving the fins up and down. Kept in aquaria, these fish have been known to jump out of the tank if no cover was provided. In their native W. African rivers they can jump and glide above the water, presumably in pursuit of fast-moving prey.

More From encyclopedia.com