Description:

Black Ghost Knife Fish – In Store Pick Up Only

The (Apteronotus albifrons) is a captivating and unique freshwater fish that can make a fascinating addition to a larger aquarium.

Appearance:

• They have a distinctive, elongated, ribbon-like black body.
• Two white bands are present on their tail, and a white blaze marks their nose, sometimes extending into a stripe.
• They lack scales, making them sensitive to water conditions and medications.
• They move gracefully using an undulating ventral fin.
• They are weakly electric fish, using this ability to navigate and locate food. You won’t feel any shock.

Size:

• They can grow quite large, reaching 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) in the wild, though typically around 30 cm (12 inches) in home aquariums, sometimes more in very large tanks.

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: A 200-litre (50-gallon) tank is the absolute minimum for a juvenile, but an adult will require a much larger tank, ideally 450 litres (120 gallons) or more, to provide adequate swimming space. A longer tank is better than a tall one.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 23-28C (73-82F). A reliable heater is essential in Caboolture, especially during cooler months.
  • pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (up to 18 dGH).
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm. Pristine water quality is crucial.
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is recommended to avoid damaging their scaleless body.
• Decorations: They are nocturnal and need plenty of hiding places like caves, driftwood, and PVC pipes. A well-planted tank with subdued lighting is ideal.
• Water Flow: Moderate water flow is beneficial, mimicking their natural habitat.
• Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known to jump.

Temperament and Tank Mates:

• Black Ghost Knife Fish are generally peaceful towards other fish that are too large to be eaten.
• However, they can be territorial towards their own kind and other weakly electric fish (like Elephant Nose). It’s best to keep only one per tank unless it’s a very large, well-decorated aquarium.
• They may eat small fish (smaller than 4 cm or that can fit in their mouth) and invertebrates.
• Suitable Tank Mates: Larger, peaceful to semi-aggressive fish like Discus, Angelfish (larger), peaceful catfish (like larger Corydoras or Plecos that won’t compete for hiding spots), and Giant Danios.
• Avoid: Small tetras, guppies, and other nano fish, as they may become prey. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that could stress the knife fish.

Diet:

• Black Ghost Knife Fish are carnivores in the wild, eating insects, small crustaceans, and fish.
• In the aquarium, offer a varied diet of:
  • Live and frozen foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, earthworms, and daphnia are readily accepted.
  • Sinking pellets: High-quality pellets formulated for carnivorous fish can be a good staple.
  • Small pieces of fish or shrimp.
• They are primarily nocturnal feeders, so feeding at night or when the lights are off is recommended. Some individuals can be trained to eat during the day and even from your hand.