Black Ghost Knifefish

Black ghost knifefish, a part of the ghost knifefish family, is a freshwater species indigenous to different parts of South America. These nocturnal fish have an all-black body that makes them appear immensely attractive, and a sought-after choice for any aquarium. They can emit and obtain electric signals, using electric organs as well as receptors to track their prey and even communicate, thus being classified as weakly electric fish.

 Quick Information

Scientific Name	Apteronotus albifrons
Other Names	Ghost Knifefish, black knife, apteronotid eel
Origin	South America covering the Paraguay-Parana river area, Amazon Basin, and parts of Venezuela
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not recorded
Behavioral Characteristics	Shy, not too social, preferring to be on their own; could get aggressive with other knifefish species
School Size	4 – 5
Physical Traits	Flat, elongated body in the shape of a knife; a long anal fin stretching from its stomach to tail; lacks a caudal and dorsal fin
Growth Rate (How fast do they grow)	5 – 6 inches per year (12.7 – 15.2 cm), with these slow growers reaching their full size till the time they are 2
Scales	They are devoid of scales
Colors	Full black body apart from two white rings on the tail, and patches of white on its nose that can at times extend to its back
Size (How big do they get)	20 inches (50 cm)
Lifespan	Approximately 15 years
Sexual Dimorphism	The males have a horse-like face and a thinner body than their female counterparts; besides their visible differences, females generate higher frequency EODs (Electric Organ Discharge) than males
Probable Diseases	Ich and other skin infections
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	$17 – 20

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Intermediate to expert (not recommended for novice owners since they display sensitivity to water changes)
Tank Size	80 – 90 gallons (303 – 340 liters) for a single fish

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.0  – 8.0
Temperature	73° to 82°F (23 to 28°C)
Hardness	5 – 19 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	High

Tank Ambience

Lighting	High
Substrate Type	Sand, small gravels, live rocks, crevices
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Species of catfish, peaceful cichlids (such as keyhole cichlid, yellow labs cichlid, and bovilion ram cichlid), guppies, bichirs, rasboras, barbs, tetras, angelfish, discus, and corydoras Incompatible with: Other black ghost fish species as well as snails and shrimps as this fish, could eat them
Suitable Position in the Tank	Bottom

Feeding

Diet	Live or frozen diet of  brine shrimps, black worms, and bloodworms, as well as flakes and pellets
Frequency	2-3 times a day

Important Things to Know for Fish Keepers

• Cover the fish tank with a tight lid as these fish are often known to jump out of the aquarium when overwhelmed
• Make sure to give them sufficient space and proper hiding spots, without which they could turn aggressive.
• Owners often complain of their black knife ghost fish missing suddenly with their whereabouts being challenging to trace. Under such circumstances, check the inside of your tank thoroughly, among the decorations. These shy fish often tend to remain concealed in some quiet corner. Also, check the outside, keeping their jumping abilities in mind.
• Do not add tank mates for the black ghost knifefish with a size less than 6 inches, as the former could perceive the new additions as their food and get at them.
• Do not panic if you see them upside down or to their side, as that is how they often lie in the tank. However, if they show other symptoms like restlessness or lack of appetite, it would require a veterinarian’s intervention.

FAQs