{"title":"Knife Fish","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"black-ghost-knife-fish-apteronotus-albifrons-10cm","title":"Black Ghost Knife Fish Apteronotus Albifrons 10cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black Ghost Knifefish is a velvety jet-black fish with a white blaze on the nose and two white bands on the tail, propelled by a rippling anal fin that lets it hover, reverse and even swim upside down. It navigates using a weak electric field. Native to rivers across much of South America, it suits experienced keepers with a large, dim, well-filtered aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Around 35–50 cm (14–20 in); up to 50 cm in large tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/em\u003e 10–15 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNative to:\u003c\/em\u003e Amazon, Orinoco, Paraguay and Paraná basins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/em\u003e Sandy-bottomed creeks and rivers, sheltering by day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDiet:\u003c\/em\u003e Carnivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/em\u003e Bloodworm, brine shrimp, earthworms, prawns, mussel, sinking carnivore pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/em\u003e Feed at dusk or after lights out; daily for juveniles, adults 4–5 times weekly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBest with:\u003c\/em\u003e Peaceful medium-sized fish: larger tetras, Geophagus, Corydoras, plecos, angelfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/em\u003e Small fish and shrimp it can swallow; fin-nippers; other knifefish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/em\u003e Shy and peaceful with anything too big to eat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/em\u003e Territorial towards its own kind and other electric fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e Intermediate to Advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/em\u003e Sensitive to poor water and medications; nocturnal; needs space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/em\u003e Freshwater, soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e 23–28°C (73–82°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003epH:\u003c\/em\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHardness:\u003c\/em\u003e 5–15 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFlow:\u003c\/em\u003e Moderate, well oxygenated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Minimum 450 litres for an adult; 200 litres suits a juvenile only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles grow quickly, so buy with an adult-sized aquarium already planned and expect a decade or more of care. Being scaleless it is very sensitive to copper, many medications and ammonia, so keep water pristine with strong filtration and regular changes. Give it a clear tube, cave or root to hide in by day and dim lighting; with time it becomes tame enough to hand-feed, a genuinely rewarding sight.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64680676000121,"sku":"STF-KNIFE-BLK-GHOST","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Black-Ghost-Knife-Fish-Apteronotus-Albifrons.png?v=1790097093"},{"product_id":"clown-knife-fish-notopterus-chitala-10cm","title":"Clown Knife Fish Notopterus Chitala 10cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Clown Knifefish is a huge, silvery-grey featherback with a humped back, tiny dorsal fin and a row of white-ringed black ocelli along the rear of its long anal fin. Nocturnal and predatory, it comes from large rivers, floodplains and lakes of mainland Southeast Asia. It suits only advanced keepers with a very large tank, ideally alongside other big, peaceful fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Around 60–80 cm (24–32 in) in aquaria; up to 100 cm in the wild\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/em\u003e 10–15 years, sometimes longer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNative to:\u003c\/em\u003e Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/em\u003e Lowland rivers, swamps, lakes and flooded forest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDiet:\u003c\/em\u003e Carnivorous, predatory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/em\u003e Earthworms, prawns, mussel, fish fillet, bloodworm, sinking carnivore pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/em\u003e Feed at dusk; adults every two or three days; avoid mammal meat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBest with:\u003c\/em\u003e Large peaceful fish: Oscars, bichirs, large Geophagus, tinfoil barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/em\u003e Anything small enough to swallow; other knifefish; aggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/em\u003e Peaceful with fish too large to be prey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/em\u003e Territorial towards its own kind and similar species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e Advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/em\u003e Enormous adult size; needs a tank-buster aquarium and heavy filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/em\u003e Freshwater, soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e 22–28°C (72–82°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003epH:\u003c\/em\u003e 6.0–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHardness:\u003c\/em\u003e 2–15 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFlow:\u003c\/em\u003e Slow to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Minimum 1000 litres for a single adult; juveniles outgrow smaller tanks fast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 10 cm juvenile can pass 30 cm within a year and adults need a tank at least two metres long, so buy only with that housing in place. The fish sold under this name is Chitala ornata. Provide dim light, driftwood hides, a tight heavy lid and powerful filtration, and never keep two together in a normal tank. Well kept, it is a calm, majestic centrepiece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64680677802361,"sku":"STF-KNIFE-CLOWN","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/STF-KNIFE-CLOWN.png?v=1790097106"},{"product_id":"royal-clown-knife-fish-chitala-blanci-15cm","title":"Royal Clown Knife Fish Chitala Blanci 15cm","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Clown Knife Fish Chitala Blanci 15cm\u003c\/strong\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003eOverview:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Royal Clown Knife Fish, scientifically known as Chitala blanci, is a captivating and majestic freshwater species renowned for its sleek silver body and striking patterns resembling clown-like markings. With its graceful movement and unique appearance, this species adds regal elegance to any aquarium setting.  \u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Originating from the river systems of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, these fish thrive in slow-moving freshwater environments rich in vegetation and hiding spots.  \u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Royal Clown Knife Fish are carnivorous, favoring live food such as small fish, earthworms, shrimp, and insects. They may also accept high-quality pellets or frozen foods.  \u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept with peaceful tank mates of similar size, as smaller fish might be seen as potential prey. Suitable companions include larger tetras, catfish, or other non-aggressive, similarly-sized species.  \u003cstrong\u003eAggression:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically peaceful but may display territorial behavior, especially when establishing their space within the aquarium. Provide plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress and potential conflicts.  \u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recommended for intermediate to experienced aquarists due to their specific dietary needs, potential size, and requirements for a spacious environment.  \u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003epH: 6.0-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eWater Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946707366265,"sku":"STF-KNIFE-ROYAL-CLOWN","price":275.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Royal-Clown-Knife-Fish-Chitala-Blanci.png?v=1792492754"},{"product_id":"golden-clown-knife-fish-notopterus-chitala-10cm","title":"Golden Clown Knife Fish Notopterus Chitala 10cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Golden Clown Knifefish is a rare xanthic colour form of the Clown Featherback, replacing the usual silver-grey with a warm golden body while keeping the ocellated spots along the flanks. It glides with a rippling anal fin and hunts at night. Native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins of Southeast Asia, it suits experienced keepers with very large tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Up to 80–100 cm (31–39 in); typically 60 cm in aquaria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/em\u003e 15–20 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNative to:\u003c\/em\u003e Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/em\u003e Lowland rivers, swamps, floodplain lakes and flooded forest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDiet:\u003c\/em\u003e Carnivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/em\u003e Prawns, earthworms, fish strips, mussel, bloodworm, carnivore pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/em\u003e Feed at dusk; avoid feeder fish and mammal meat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBest with:\u003c\/em\u003e Large peaceful cichlids, big catfish, arowana-sized fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/em\u003e Other knifefish, small fish, aggressive tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/em\u003e Peaceful with fish too large to eat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/em\u003e Territorial with its own kind; keep singly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e Advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/em\u003e Enormous adult size, heavy waste output, nocturnal feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/em\u003e Freshwater, soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e 22–28°C (72–82°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003epH:\u003c\/em\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHardness:\u003c\/em\u003e 2–15 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFlow:\u003c\/em\u003e Slow to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Minimum 1000 litres for an adult; larger is better\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth is rapid and this fish outgrows most home aquaria, so commit to a tank of at least two metres before buying. Provide dim lighting, driftwood caves and a tight lid, as clown knifefish can jump. Powerful filtration is essential given the volume of food an adult eats. Golden specimens are uncommon and become a genuinely spectacular centrepiece in the right system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946708087161,"sku":"STF-KNIFE-GLDN-CLOWN","price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Golden-Clown-Knife-Fish-Notopterus-Chitala.png?v=1792492762"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/collections\/STF-SHRIMP-BLUE-DIAMOND_88bf94e0-eeb3-4d1b-bd86-53faedddceaa.png?v=1790246816","url":"https:\/\/birchwoodaquatics.myshopify.com\/collections\/knife-fish.oembed","provider":"Birchwood Aquatic Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}