African butterflies are among my favourite fish. But they are tricky to house in community tanks. I'd perhaps think about stuff like catfish that will stay close to the bottom. Maybe not Synodontis nigriventris, which can be a fin-nipper, but certainly things like Corydoras, Tatia, glass cats, that sort of thing. As far as midwater fish, I'd think about silver hatchetfish, which swim a few inches below the surface rather than right at the surface. They are too big to be eaten, but are relatively peaceful and un-nippy (at least towards other fish -- they do fight among themselves -- a lot!).
Ropefish would be a good choice, and possible the very smallest bichirs, like Polypterus palmas too. Medium sized, peaceful Ctenopoma would be good too. I'd recommend Ct. acutirostre as being completely placid as well as hardy and very attractive. Ct. acutirostre do need lots of plants or caves though, as they are quite shy. Floating plants would be ideal for all these fishes, and would have the extra benefit of stopping the butterflies (or hatchets) from jumping. Even in a covered tank, they can still jump and hit their heads on the lights (my hatchets do this once or twice a day and have lost a good few scales in the process!).
Cheers,
Neale
