Black Ghost Knifefish

About the Black Ghost Knifefish

Species Type: Freshwater Fish
Category: Ancient Fish

Care Level: Moderate. May tolerate only a narrow range of water parameters, have specific dietary requirements including frozen or even live foods, may have behaviors that severely limit potential tankmates or may require a specialized aquarium setup.

Origin: Amazon River Basin, Brazil

Compatibility/Temperament: 2

Description

They have long, laterally compressed bodies growing to almost 12 inches with an elongated anal fin that starts at the pectoral fins. In the wild they reach up to about 20 inches, but that is not to be expected in an aquarium. The fish's color is jet black with white vertical bands. There is also a long white stripe going down its back.

They should be kept in a dimly-litted tank furnished with small grained substrate and plenty of hiding places including ones that can be build using PVC pipes. A heavily planted tank would be even better. Floating plants will help overcome the knifes shyness as they are nocturnal.

Black ghost knife will generally prefer soft acidic water.

They are usually agressive towards other fish that generate electrical pulses. The pulses emitted serve as a "radar" to find their prey even in murky waters. Other electrical fish interrupt this "radar". However, many people keep several of these fish together. Supposedly if you keep about 5 or 6 in the same tank the aggression will be spread out, but it is unconfirmed and a huge tank would be needed.

Picture and profile provided by Bf2king and Freddy.

Black Ghost Knifefish Diet

Black ghost knifefish are carnivorous. They will appreciate blood worms, feeder fish, tubifex worms, brine shrimp, ghost shrimp, etc.

Size

Ideal water parameters for Black Ghost Knifefish

The Black Ghost Knifefish should be kept in an aquarium with the temperature ranging from 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and a Ph of around 6.5.