Explore African oddball fish for sale at Live Fish Store, a category for hobbyists who want something different. African oddballs include bichirs, ropefish, African butterflyfish, elephantnose fish, African knifefish, leaf fish, and other unusual species from the continent’s rivers and lakes. Each fish is packed with care and shipped overnight with a live arrival guarantee.
Why buy African oddballs from Live Fish Store
- Healthy, feeding fish: oddballs can be shy eaters, so we ship fish that are active and taking food.
- Overnight shipping: live fish ship via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air.
- Live arrival guarantee: report any DOA within 2 hours of delivery for store credit or a replacement.
- Free shipping on $80+: qualifying aquatic-life orders of $80 or more ship free with standard shipping.
Choosing the right African oddballs for your tank
Research the adult size first. An African butterflyfish stays around 4 inches, while many bichirs exceed a foot and a few reach 2 feet or more, so tank needs range from 40 gallons to 125 gallons and up. Most prefer warm water around 76 to 82°F with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, dim lighting, and plenty of driftwood, caves, and plants for cover. A tight lid is a must, since bichirs, ropefish, and butterflyfish are skilled escape artists.
Many African oddballs are nocturnal predators that will eat any fish small enough to swallow, so choose tankmates that are too large to be a meal. Feed frozen and live foods, sinking carnivore pellets, and worms. Elephantnose fish are sensitive and need soft sand, gentle tankmates, and frozen foods offered after dark.
Shipping and live arrival guarantee
African oddballs are bagged with oxygen, insulated, and shipped overnight within the USA. Every fish is covered by our live arrival guarantee: contact us within 2 hours of delivery about any DOA and we will issue store credit or send a replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Are African oddballs hard to keep?
Bichirs and ropefish are hardy and forgiving; elephantnose and butterflyfish need more attention to water quality and feeding.
Can African oddballs live with community fish?
Only with tankmates too large to eat. Small tetras and rasboras will be seen as food by most oddballs.
What do African oddballs eat?
Most are carnivores that take frozen bloodworms, shrimp, and fish, sinking carnivore pellets, and live worms.
Popular African Oddballs
