Apteronotus albifrons
From The Aquarium Wiki
| Black Ghost Knife Fish | |
| |
| Black Ghost Knife Fish | |
| Species | Apteronotus albifrons |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Min. Tank Size | 246.052 liters 246,051.766 mL 65 US Gallons (246.1L) |
| Size | 50.8 cm
15-20 " (38.1-50.8cm) |
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| Temp. | 296.15 K 73.4 °F 533.07 °R 301.15 K |
| Water Hardness |
5-10 |
| Stocking Ratio | 1:1 M:F |
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Diet | |
| Life Span |
8-10 years |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative names
- Black Ghost, Black Ghost Knife, Ghost Knife, Ghost Ray
[edit] Sexing
- Little is known, however it has been speculated that the male's eyes are more towards the top of the head, while female's eyes may be closer to the front of the head. It has also been rumored that while courting, both the male and females white part of the tail may glow red.
[edit] Tank compatibility
- Will stay at the bottom during the day and likes hiding places, but will swim all over at night. A nocturnal hunter, do not keep with smaller fish. Black Ghost Knife's are best kept one Knife to a tank. It is said that because of the electrical signals they give off to hunt, these can interfere with other Knife's signals in a confined space and lead to problems.
[edit] Diet
- Is a micro-predator of insect larvae in the wild as a juvenile. Will take frozen brine shrimp, small earthworms, bloodworm and meaty frozen foods. Almost always rejects flake foods. May eat smaller fish with it's deceptively large mouth, when it gets big enough.
[edit] Feeding regime
- Twice a day. Will allow hand feeding. Prefers to be fed after lights out.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Fast flowing planted tank with a sandy substrate. Needs excellent water quality. Prefers a dimly lit area, so floating plants are probably required.
[edit] Behaviour
- Nocturnal. Timid with others. Will eat small fish. Dislikes its own kind so do not keep with other similar type of fish. Likes crevasses and caves.
[edit] Identification
- Laterally compressed flat, knife shaped black body. The majority of the the fish is black, with the exception of a white streak down the forehead, as well as a white tuff under the chin, for most specimens. All Black ghost knives have two white bands around their tail.
[edit] Pictures
[edit] Videos
[edit] External links
Facts about Apteronotus albifrons
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Common name | Black Ghost Knife Fish |
| Diet | Carnivore + |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Family | Apteronotidae + |
| Foods | Live Food +, and Other Foods + |
| Maximum Size | 20 in (50.8 cm) + |
| Maximum age | 10 + |
| Maximum hardness | 10 + |
| Maximum pH | 8 + |
| Maximum temperature | 301.15 K (28 °C, 82.4 °F, 542.07 °R) + |
| Minimum Tank Size | 65 US Gallon (246.052 liters, 246,051.766 mL) + |
| Minimum hardness | 5 + |
| Minimum pH | 6 + |
| Minimum temperature | 296.15 K (23 °C, 73.4 °F, 533.07 °R) + |
| Scientific name | Apteronotus albifrons |
