Black Ghost Knifefish

Care requirements

• Minimum tank 72 × 24 in (180 × 60 cm) footprint or larger for one adult.
• Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH 6.0–8.0
• GH 5–10 dGH
• Ammonia and nitrite 0 ppm

Housing & compatibility

Plan for at least a 72 × 24 inch (180 × 60 cm) footprint. Provide soft sand, sheltered spots under wood or in smooth tubes, and clean, well-oxygenated water. Choose calm tankmates that are too large to swallow. Keep one per tank unless you have the space and experience to manage aggression.

Diet

Offer bite-sized frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or chopped prawn. Some individuals learn to take sinking carnivore pellets. Feed near its shelter around lights-out and check that it gets its share.

Offer bite-sized Hikari Bio-Pure Frozen Blood Worms as part of a varied meaty diet, if accepted.

Species notes

The black ghost knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons) is most active in dim light and can reach about 20 inches (50 cm) as an adult.

Reference photo by Vassil. Original photo · CC0