Black Ghost Knife Fish Apteronotus Albifrons 10cm

Overview

The 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.

• Adult Size: Around 35–50 cm (14–20 in); up to 50 cm in large tanks
• Lifespan: 10–15 years

Origin

• Native to: Amazon, Orinoco, Paraguay and Paraná basins
• Habitat: Sandy-bottomed creeks and rivers, sheltering by day

Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Bloodworm, brine shrimp, earthworms, prawns, mussel, sinking carnivore pellets
• Feeding Habits: Feed at dusk or after lights out; daily for juveniles, adults 4–5 times weekly

Tank Mates

• Best with: Peaceful medium-sized fish: larger tetras, Geophagus, Corydoras, plecos, angelfish
• Avoid: Small fish and shrimp it can swallow; fin-nippers; other knifefish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Shy and peaceful with anything too big to eat
• Territoriality: Territorial towards its own kind and other electric fish

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Challenges: Sensitive to poor water and medications; nocturnal; needs space

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 5–15 dGH
• Flow: Moderate, well oxygenated
• Tank Size: Minimum 450 litres for an adult; 200 litres suits a juvenile only

Final Notes

Juveniles 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.