do black ghost knife fish have teeth

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Black Ghost Knife Fish Teeth?

Thread starter Mr. Bubbles
Start date Mar 5, 2012
Advanced Aquaria Discussion Forum
Ancient Fish
Knifefish and Lungfish

Mr. Bubbles

Feeder fish.

Do Black ghost knife fish have teeth?

Oblong Cheese

Nope. They have a sort of beak like other tooth-less fish. Well, I've never seen teeth in my BGK's mouth!

Just out of curiosity, reasoning?

Black Ghost Knife Fish Size, Food, Care, & More

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The enigmatic beauty of the black ghost knife starts from the two white rings on its tail and goes to its exciting wave-like motion. Due to the lack of a dorsal and caudal fin, the black ghost knife showcases a rare swimming capability guaranteed to start a conversation with your visitors.

Despite the monochromatic color scheme of the rest of its body, this tropical fish has become popular among many hobbyists. This is because the black ghost knife has some of the most exciting features you could ever see in freshwater fish, particularly an electric system that acts as a sixth sense.

As much fun as it is to own one of these fish, it is important to note that they can be challenging to take care of. Their huge 18+ inch bodies require lots of care, including bigger tanks, food, special tank mates, etc. Also, its distinctive features mean you will need to go the extra mile for it to thrive.

In this complete black ghost knife care guide, you will learn the fish’s origins, behaviors, temperament, environmental needs, appearance, and bodily functions, and much more.

Read on to learn of the best practices and precautions to take to ensure your black ghost knife lives for more than 10 years.

Black Ghost Knife Overview

Originating and distributed in the South American basins, the black ghost can be found in fast-moving waters of several regions, including Venezuela, Columbia, Argentina, Guianas, Panama, and Paraguay.

Their habitats consist of freshwater regions in deep depths of the river at about 16 feet. Due to this, they live amongst dense aquatic vegetation and have to navigate through tiny spaces between trees and rocks. Having slender bodies makes these environments ideal for them.

You would think that the black ghost knife gets its name from its odd and quirky appearance. After all, it can be spooky to some, hence, the name ghost. However, this is not the case.

They get the name ‘ghost’ because the tribes of Amazon believed they were vessels holding the ghosts of the departed. It is named the ‘black knife’ due to its black monochromatic color and its shape-similarity to a knife.

Ghost knife belongs to the ghost knife fish family ( Apteronotidae). This is a family of ray-finned fishes, all native to South America. All are nocturnal and feature small eyes, with a few exhibiting sexual dimorphism.

Black ghost knife fishes belong to the Apteronotus genus, known for having weakly electric knifefish. They feed on small animals, but they often take to frozen foods when raised and bred in aquariums.

The closest sibling to the black ghost ( Apteronotus albifrons) is the brown ghost knifefish ( Apteronotus leptorhynchus), known for its brown monochromatic coloration with similar rings on its tail.

Black Ghost Knife Lifespan

Ghost knifefish is a relatively hardy fish with a lifespan of about 10 years and the capability to live up to a ripe 15 years of age.

How long the fish lives depends on a lot of factors, including water conditions, feeding habits, habitat, water parameters, and much more. The age might vary depending on the habitat, the wild being the most ideal condition for such species.

The big ghost knife’s wavy, flowing, and somewhat dancing swimming style is probably the first thing you will notice about the fish. This gorgeously enchanting motion is created by the fact that the ghost knife lacks a dorsal and caudal fin.

Features, Anatomy, Colors, Types

Its skinny body does not show any sign of caudal fins on the tail or even a protruding small dorsal fin at the top. Instead, the ghost knife only has the anal and pectoral fins, which are its primary ways of moving about.

The pectoral fin is paired with an extended anal fin to make a longer uniform fin on the underside; this is what creates the unique morphology of wave-like flowing motion when the fish swims about.

This uniform wave and rippling effect ensure the fish can swim bidirectionally in any direction, meaning the fish can also swim backward or forward in the same motion.

The strange anatomy follows a knife-like shape that starts with the tail (with two white rings) that looks like a knife handle. The curved shape from the start of the tail to the head looks like the sharp edge of a knife, hence the “black knife.”

Another extraordinary aspect of the black knife is that it can generate electricity using spinal cord neurons.

It is important not to mistake the electricity in these fish for that in electric eels. Unlike electric eels, the electrical pulses in ghost knife fish are weak. This is because its purpose is to act as a sixth sense , a feature it shares with other types of ghost knifefish.

Since ghost knifefish live in murky waters in deep depths, seeing can become a problem. Their small eyes cannot aid them visually, and that is where the electrical systems come in.

Like echolocation in bats, ghost knifefish utilizes active electrolocation by using electric fields to navigate. The electric fields also help in communicating via the processes of electrogenesis and electroreception.

Each ghost knifefish has electric receptors that can sense electric organ discharges (EODs) from other fish. This helps them communicate and is a handy tool in breeding by assisting females in identifying potential mates for reproduction.

Black ghost knife has an average size of about 14 – 18 inches. However, it can grow up to 20 inches in the best environment.

You won’t find any ghost knife below 18 inches. The fish are resilient, and if you do not properly plan for their huge size when they grow up, then you may lose them.

Black Ghost Knife Fish Behavior & Temperament

As nocturnal animals, the fish swim and eat mostly at night. Serving them food before bed is a good practice to ensure they are not malnutritional.

Many assume that with their big sizes and spooky looks then, the ghost knife fish must be aggressive; this is not true.

They are peaceful fish that do not disturb other tank mates. However, they are territorial, and you can expect them to show some form of aggression when they have to compete for resources with another black ghost knife fish.

Meaning you will rarely see the black ghost act out in any way if you house it in a well-spaced tank with compatible tank mates, enough food, and optimal water conditions.

Black Ghost Knife Fish Care

Below is the complete care guide you need to ensure your ghost knife has a long and healthy life:

Tank Size & Environment

Aquarists should only keep the ghost fish in tanks that can hold a minimum of 100 gallons, ideally 150. Anything less than that will lead to stress, aggression, and diseases or a much shorter lifespan in extreme cases.

If you so choose to keep the fish with one or two of its kind, then aim for about 100 gallons more for each fish. Therefore, you will need a 300-gallon tank to host at most three black ghost knife fish.

Due to this large aquarium demand, you often only see the black knife in aquarium exhibits at parks and recreation centers.

Low lighting with lots of hiding space is also best. Include caves, driftwood, aquarium plants, tunnels, and rocks to simulate their natural habitat and give them a fun playground to enjoy living in.

As bottom dwellers, you will also need a soft substrate like fine sand. Rocky and rough substrates can easily injure their bodies.

So, can black ghost knife fish live with goldfish? Or any other common aquarium fish.

As a rule of thumb, it is always best to keep black knife fish with peaceful same-size fish. A goldfish can live with a ghost knife since they are non-aggressive toward one another unless they compete for resources.

If you have enough space, a befitting environment for both species and enough nutrition, then you can raise the ghost knife with many similar-sized peaceful fish. Avoid aggressive fish in the tank at all costs.

One thing to note is that you shouldn’t place two knife fish in the same tank. Two black ghost knife fish can live together peacefully, but you have to ensure they never have a reason to be territorial. This will require a tank of at least 300 gallons big and enough food and care.

Some of the best tank mates for ghost knives include:

Other ghost knife fish
Peaceful catfish
Non-aggressive cichlids
Green neon tetras
Ciry catfish

Water Conditions

If you were to cause harm to the black knife fish, then there is a good chance it has something to do with poor water conditions.

Apart from their large sizes, taking care of the black ghost is harder because it is sensitive to poor water conditions. Like most tropical fish, you can change the temperature, etc., across a certain range without much worry, but with the black ghost, it is best to exercise caution.

Stick to the ideal water parameters for the species by using high-grade water test kits to monitor the water quality and parameters.

Ideal water parameters are as follows:

pH level: 8 – 7.8
Water Temperature: 75 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit
Water hardness: 0 – 10 KH or 90 ppm GH

Perform regular water changes on a bi-weekly basis (about 10 – 20 percent of the total capacity). Take note of maintaining stable water conditions by not changing lots of water and affecting the beneficial bacteria in the tank.

Use the testing kit if you are unsure how much water should be changed or cycled. You can adjust the changes if the conditions are within the range to avoid unnecessary maintenance.

Since they are primarily carnivorous in the wild, the black ghost knifes survive on a protein-rich diet. However, instead of feeding them fish, aquarists have noticed that this species takes well to frozen foods.

Some of the best foods for ghost knife include:

Frozen foods from bloodworms to krill
Brine shrimp
Freeze-dried foods

How Much Do Black Ghost Knife Fish Cost?

You can get a ghost knife fish for about $10 to $25, depending on the size, age, and place of purchase.

It is best to get a smaller one that is less than a year old and less than 8 inches long. This will help you have an easier time taking care of it as it grows and adapts to your aquarium.

Also, you want to avoid fish that look sickly or old since they are harder to take care of and might not live as long as you wish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do black ghost knife fish take to grow.

The growth rate of the black ghost knife is about 2 inches per year after the first year. A growth spurt happens in the first year, where the fish quickly grows up to 8 or 9 inches. After that, the fish will gradually grow uniformly each year till it reaches the 14 – 20 inches mark.

Do Black Ghost Knife Fish Give an Electric Shock?

Even though the ghost knife fish has electric pulses, they are too weak to shock, stun, or kill any creature, no matter how small. The electric pulses only help the fish ‘talk’ to one another and map their surroundings so they can easily navigate the waters.

Do Black Ghost Knife Fish Have Teeth?

Like other toothless fish, the black ghost knife does not have teeth and only features a bony or beak knife mouth.

Since they grow up to be more than 18 inches long, the black ghost knife fish is not a good choice for beginners. Go ahead and get one only if you are an experienced aquarist when it comes to caring for long fish in an aquarium setup.

Despite its taxing care and maintenance, you will get the most out of owning even a single black knife. It is a great conversation starter, interesting to look at, peaceful, and a great environment will ensure you have the quirky fish around for over a decade.

Black Ghost Knife Fish (Apteronotus albifrons): Care Guide

Table of Contents

The Black Ghost Knife Fish ( Apteronotus albifrons ) is an interesting aquarium fish that originates in South America. They have a long body that is shaped like a knife. They will grow to a significant size, but they are agile fish that are able to maneuver around objects in the tank. They will also live a long time if they are well cared for. As a nocturnal fish, they will feed primarily at night. These fish are known to have poor vision, but they possess an electrical organ that helps them locate their food. An organ in its tail is responsible for generating electrical energy.

These fish are found in the tropical waters of the Amazon River Basin of South America. Among some of the tribes of the Amazonian jungles, it is believed that the souls of the deceased inhabit these fish.

Black Ghost Knife Fish Care

Black Ghost Knife Fish are moderately difficult fish to take care of. They are fish that grow to a significant size, and they do not tolerate poor water quality. Therefore, a proper tank setup and regular maintenance are important. These fish aren’t reserved for experts only but require more attention and care than other hardier fish in the aquarium hobby.

Another factor to consider is that these fish do not have scales. This makes them susceptible to injuries and infections. Therefore, installing a UV sterilizer in the tank may be wise. One thing to remember about these fish is that copper-based treatments are extremely poisonous to them. If copper-based treatment is administered, the fish may begin to scratch and rub themselves around the tank. There are other proper methods of treating an infection for these fish. With early treatment and an increase in temperature (approximately 86°F), there is a good chance they can fight off the infection.

Black Ghost Knife fish are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night and sleep throughout the day. Although they have poor eyesight, they are able to search and converse using an electromagnetic field.

They are shy fish, especially when introduced to a new habitat. After settling into the new habitat, they will emerge from their hiding location overnight and swim near the base of leafy plants and other vegetation.

While they can be shy fish, remember that if they are kept with other knife fish, they can become violent and aggressive.

Apart from two white rings on its tail and a white stripe on its nose that often runs along its back, the Black Ghost Knife fish is completely black. It has no caudal or dorsal fins. Hence it has the appearance of a knife.

There are no scales on this knife fish species. Its smooth long body is part of what makes this fish so unique.

The Black Ghost Knife Fish is native to the Amazon River and its tributaries. They can be found in the Amazon River, passing through Venezuela, Paraguay, and all the way down to Peru’s freshwater basins. The river is the perfect habitat for these fish since there are plenty of hiding places between driftwood, rocks, and dense vegetation. The water can be very muddy, have currents, and have poor lighting.

In their native habitat, the water would be warm, with a pH close to neutral.

Temperature

The tank’s water temperature must be maintained at a constant level between 73-82°F (23-28°C).

Water pH & Water Parameters

The pH range for the Black Ghost Knife fish is 6.0 to 8.0, with water hardness ranging from 5 to 19 dGH.

It is important to note that freshwater fish cannot survive in brackish water.

This river-dwelling species prefers water with a moderate to high current.

Black Ghost Knife Fish Size

The Black Ghost Knife Fish is one of the largest ghost knife fish species. On average, the black ghost knife fish grows 19 inches (50 cm) long, while some grow 23 inches (60 cm) long.

The minimum tank size for one Black Ghost Knife Fish is 100 gallons. Since they are large fish, a large tank is needed to accommodate their size.

Keeping the fish in a tank may cause the fish to become overly aggressive and also cause health issues for the fish. Since the aquarium would be the foundation of their habitat, it is important that the fish is housed in a proper-sized tank.

Food & Diet

Black Ghost Knife Fish require a carnivorous diet of live or frozen foods. Bloodworms, prawns, brine shrimp, and tubifex are some of their favorite foods.

They are known for having difficulty adapting to dry flake and pellet foods.

Feeding them a protein-rich diet similar to what they feed in their native environment is the key to their longevity. In short, the key is to feed them what they desire, at least to some extent.

In the wild, Black Ghost Knife Fish are considered micro-predators of insect larvae.

The Black Ghost Knife fish lives for a very long time. It can survive for up to 15 years if properly looked for.

Black Ghost Knifefish grow large but aren’t the most aggressive fish species. Therefore, many species of fish are suitable as their tank mates.

Here’s a list of potentially suitable tank mates for Black Ghost Knifefish:

Silver Dollar Fish
Electric Blue Acara
Bristlenose Pleco
Corydoras Catfish
Dinosaur Bichir
African Rope Fish
Saddled Bichir
Sailfin Molly
Green Swordtail
Balloon Molly
Glass Catfish
Pictus Catfish
Severum Cichlid

Since Black Ghost Knifefish aren’t particularly aggressive species, it should not be too difficult to find suitable tank mates for them.

As juveniles, Black Ghost Knifefish can be kept in the same tank with smaller aquarium fish such as tetras and danios. Some fishkeepers have successfully kept juvenile Black Ghost Knifefish with small fish such as Neon Tetras, Green Neon Tetras, Celestial Peral Danios, and Zebra Danios. However, keeping fully grown Black Ghost Knifefish with significantly smaller fish is not recommended since they may try to eat them.

Are Black Ghost Knife Fish Aggressive?

Despite their large size, Black Ghost Knife Fish are not particularly aggressive. In fact, they tend to be peaceful fish that keep to themselves.

That said, when Black Ghost Knifefish are kept in aquariums that are too small, it can trigger aggressive behavior. Therefore, providing a tank size of at least 100 gallons is important.

If adequate space is provided, and they are kept with other peaceful fish of similar size, there should be little risk compatibility issues.

A tank setup for Black Ghost Knifefish should have medium to low lighting, plenty of hiding places, and open spaces to allow them to swim freely.

Regarding the lighting requirement, Black Ghost Knifefish are native to environments with limited lighting. Their limited eyesight and enhanced electric receptors are signs of their adaptation to such low-light environments. When setting up a low-light tank, consider its effect on other tank mates and the overall setup. For example, aquarium plants that require strong light may not be suitable.

Regarding the hiding places, this can be created with a combination of hardscapes and low-light aquarium plants. Hardscapes such as rocks and driftwood would be great since they would mimic their natural environment. Remember that Black Ghost Knifefish do not have scales, and sharp objects can easily injure them.

If you have rocks, driftwood, and other hardscapes that may be sharp or too rough, you can cover them with Java moss . Java moss are low-light plants, so they will be suitable aquarium plants in their tank.

Another great option is Java fern . This is another aquarium plant that thrives in low-light environments. Java fern has large overhanging leaves, which will help provide cover and a sense of security for the fish.

Regarding the aquarium substrate, smooth gravel or sand is recommended. Sharp or overly rough substrates should be avoided since they can cause injury to the scale-less Black Ghost Knifefish.

Do Black Ghost Knife Fish require a hiding tube?

A hiding tube for Black Ghost Knife Fish is not required, but it is highly recommended.

Of course, if the tank is set up with plenty of hiding places, the Black Ghost Knife Fish can find cover elsewhere. However, the hiding tube provides a snug hiding spot that is often difficult to replicate with natural rocks and driftwood.

Another advantage of a hiding tube is the fact that it is clear, allowing the fishkeeper to view the fish even when it is in hiding. Since they can spend long hours in hiding, this can make a significant difference to the fishkeeper. Even though it is clear and visible from the outside, the Black Ghost Knife Fish will still feel safe, based on senses from their electroreceptors.

What does the Black Ghost Knife Fish habitat look like in the wild?

Black Ghost Knife Fish are native to the upper basin of the Amazon River in South America.

The water current is usually fast-flowing, and the river can be deep. While most fish species prefer calm waters, Black Ghost Knife Fish would be the exception. It can thrive in rivers with relatively strong currents.

The river usually consists of a sandy floor.

Since this is a tropical environment, the water temperature remains relatively warm, averaging mid 80’s (Fahrenheit).

Black Ghost Knife Fish are egg spawners, and they are known to spawn during the rainy season.

Most spawns occur during the night (11 pm – 2 am). This makes sense since they are nocturnal fish.

A pair of one male and one female would spawn in areas of dense vegetation. The eggs typically hatch within a week of spawning, and the parents will not look after the fry.

How to Breed Black Ghost Knife Fish

Breeding Black Ghost Knife Fish is considered to be difficult, but it is possible. They have been bred in captivity and are currently being bred commercially for the ornamental fish trade.

In order to breed Black Ghost Knife Fish, place a breeding pair in a very large tank or pond. A breeding pair would require a minimum tank size of 200 gallons. Unfortunately, this requirement can make it difficult for the average hobbyist to breed this fish.

The breeding pair must be mature enough to breed. Black Ghost Knife Fish reach sexual maturity at 1.5-2 years, so this would be considered the minimum.

In addition, the male and female must be compatible in order to mate. Not all pairs are compatible and will show aggression towards each other instead of mating. In order to successfully find a mating pair, multiple attempts of pairing males and females may be required.

An alternative to choosing a mating pair is to allow the Black Ghost Knife Fish to choose their mates on their own. Of course, housing a group of fish would require a very large tank. However, if this is an option, this may result in a higher chance of success.

When multiple males are present, they will compete against each other. The males will act aggressively and try to drive the other males away from the female. The female will select a single male to spawn at night. According to a study published in the Indonesian Aquaculture Journal , a spawning ratio of two males and three females may achieve better reproductive performance. However, further research may be required before concluding on the best spawning ratio.

In order to induce spawning, maintaining good water quality is important. Daily water changes of up to 60% may help induce spawning behavior. Some aquaculture farms may administer hormones to help induce spawning as well.

After a spawn, the adults may eat the eggs. Therefore, covering the ground with large gravel may help. The eggs would fall between the gravel, preventing them from getting eaten. After a spawn, the eggs can be collected manually as well. The eggs should hatch within 3 days to a week.

Similar to the adults, the fry are also carnivorous. Feed them protein-rich foods such as small worms and pellets. Since they may be reluctant to eat during the day, it is best to feed them after dark.

Male or Female

Distinguishing between male and female Black Ghost Knife Fish can be challenging since they have very few differences. The few differences they have are rather subtle, but here are some of their differences:

Males tend to have eyes positioned more toward the top of their heads than females.
Females tend to have eyes positioned more towards the front of their heads than males.
Males tend to be skinnier, and females have a fuller body.
Females produce higher electric organ discharge (EOD) at a higher frequency than males.

Black Ghost Knife Fish are susceptible to diseases such as fin rot, ich, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and parasites.

Many of the diseases that the Black Ghost Knife Fish are susceptible to aren’t rare. In fact, many of them are diseases that would impact many other freshwater fish.

However, do keep in mind that Black Ghost Knife Fish do not have scales. Therefore, they may be more susceptible to these diseases than other fish that are protected by their scales.

Due to their lack of scales, they are significantly more susceptible to injury from sharp objects. Therefore, it is important to handle them with care and avoid keeping sharp objects in the tank.

Are Black Ghost Knife Fish Blind?

Black Ghost Knife Fish have poor eyesight but are not completely blind. Even though they don’t have strong eyesight, this is rarely a problem since they use their electric organ and receptors to sense their surroundings. Since they are most active during the night and often forage in murky waters, their electrolocation abilities are more useful than their eyesight.

Do Black Ghost Knife Fish produce electric shock?

Black Ghost Knife Fish does have the ability to produce and sense electric impulses. However, it is not strong enough to shock or stun other fish. The electric impulses are mainly used for electrolocation and communication.

Their electric discharge organs (EODs) are useful while they hunt for insect larvae. However, once again, the electric impulses are not used to shock or stun their prey. It is used to locate them.

They possess electromotor and electrosensory organs but are considered only weakly electric fish. In fact, the electric impulses are often undetectable by other fish.

How do Black Ghost Knife Fish sleep?

Black ghost knifefish sleep during the day, often nestled in crevices of rocks, driftwood, or dense vegetation. Aquatic plants with large leaves, such as Java Fern and Amazon Sword will provide plenty of cover for the fish, giving them a sense of security while they sleep. Keep in mind that these fish can be timid, so the cover will be beneficial to them.

In an aquarium environment, if you provide them a hiding tube, they will most likely sleep in there during the day.

Do Black Ghost Knife Fish have teeth?

Black Ghost Knife Fish do not have teeth, but they do have a beak-like structure.

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Resources » Freshwater Fish » Black Ghost Knifefish

Black Ghost Knifefish Care Guide: All You Need To Know

Black Ghost Knifefish are very popular – they are a mesmerizing and elegant fish that will steal your heart in no time.

From ghost stories of tribes in South America to electrogenesis, this fish will be an entertaining conversation starter in your home.

This fish is almost an exception to the rules of nature.

It does not have any scales or fins and its tail looks like a rod.

Read on to find out more about keeping Black Ghost Knifefish in your aquarium, from their ideal tank conditions to feeding and the best tank companions.

Black ghost knifefish facts & overview, habitat and tank conditions.

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The Black Ghost Knifefish is one of the most popular Knifefish. It was originally known as Gymnotus albifrons and Apteronotus passan . But today this fish is known as Apteronotus albifrons .

Other common names which it is known by include the Apteronotid eel and the Black Knife.

An interesting story about this fish is one which is told by South American tribes. It is believed among the tribes that live in the Amazonian jungle, that the souls of the dead inhabit these fish.

The common name of this fish, the Ghost Knifefish comes from these stories.

These fish are mainly nocturnal animals and they use electrolocation to navigate dark waters.

This fish has quite a long lifespan and if cared for properly they will be your companion for 15 years.

It is readily available online or in pet shops for around $7.

Black Ghost Knifefish are tropical freshwater fish from South America. These are nocturnal fish that are most active at night and rest during the day.

As they are most active at night, their eyesight is not well developed, so they hunt and communicate through an electric field.

They are quite shy and not very social preferring their own company – they can become quite aggressive if kept with other Knifefish. After they settle down in the new environment, they will come out from their hiding place during the night and swim mostly near the substrate or foliage and plants.

The Black Ghost Knifefish, as their name suggests, is entirely black except for two white rings on its tail and a white stripe on its nose that often extends along its back.

Unsurprisingly, it is also the shape of a knife – it has no caudal or dorsal fin.

Their body is flat and elongated, reaching up to 20 inches long when fully grown. The anal fin stretches along the body from the belly to the tail. This gives it an elegant swimming style.

This species of Knifefish does not have any scales. For this reason, this fish is very sensitive to water conditions and infections as it lacks the extra protection given by the scales.

Black Ghost Knifefish can both emit and receive electric signals . The electricity is produced by an organ found in the tail. These cells sit on the skin of the fish and are used for both communication and electrolocation.

This electrogenesis is interesting when looking at the differences between sexes. While there is no apparent dimorphism between the two sexes, it has been found that females emit higher frequencies than males .

The Black Ghost Knifefish is found throughout the Amazon River and its tributaries , from Venezuela and Paraguay all the way down to the freshwater basins in Peru.

These waters are full of vegetation with plenty of nooks and crannies to hide. The waters are usually quite murky with low lighting and moderate water currents.

The water would also be warm with a fairly neutral pH.

The substrate beneath them would be soft sand that would not scratch, which is important since they are scaleless.

These tropical freshwater habitats are home to a wide variety of insects, which provide plenty of insect larvae for Black Ghost Knifefish to eat.

A captive Black Ghost Knifefish needs an environment that resembles their natural environment as closely as possible. This is simple to do, we outline how to below.

As they are quite shy fish, they appreciate a tank with many hiding places. Smooth rocks and plants are must-have features for them in your aquarium.

Remember, this is a scaleless fish so you should provide a fine substrate to avoid injuries – use sand or a very fine gravel mix. The tank should have low lighting with a strong to moderate water current.

As the water in their natural environment is quite murky, they are tolerant to a range of water conditions. However, the best water parameters to allow your fish to easily settle are a temperature of 73.0-82.0°F, a pH range of 6.0-8.0, and a hardness of 5-19 dGH.

Black Ghost Knifefish are freshwater species and can not tolerate any brackish conditions.

Some hobbyists find their fish hiding in the canister filter or tubing. Make sure that when you are setting up the tank, use pre-filters or cover any open inlet tubes to avoid surprises.

Since they are scaleless fish and are prone to infections, a UV sterilizer is a good purchase to avoid complications as it helps to keep the water free of diseases.

What Size Aquarium Do They Need?

Black Ghost Knifefish are large fish and need a large aquarium of at least 100 gallons.

How Many Can Be Kept Per Gallon?

These are not an aggressive species toward other tank mates such as peaceful Cichlids, however, it becomes very aggressive when sharing small spaces with the same or similar species.

If you choose to keep these fish together, you will need to allow a minimum of 80 gallons per fish.

Even though they are considered semi-aggressive fish, they are perfect for a community aquarium.

The ideal community for this fish is other peaceful similar size fish such as peaceful Cichlids or Catfish .

Black Ghost Knifefish will start to become aggressive if they are limited to small spaces and if they don’t have enough hiding spots.

They also become quite boisterous if kept with members of the same species or similar species.

Make sure any tank mates that you add are at least 6 inches in size and are quite peaceful. The perfect community can be created using peaceful Catfish, Angelfish , large peaceful Cichlids, Discus and Corydoras .

Corydoras are great companions because they will also help keep the aquarium clean.

Tankmates will of course have to have similar preferences regarding the water conditions too. This rules out species like Goldfish which prefer cooler waters.

While your Black Ghost Knifefish is growing, you might be able to keep it with smaller size fish such as Tetras , Guppies , Barbs , and Rasboras .

Small crustaceans and gastropods (such as shrimps and snails) are not a good match as they are the perfect food for your Black Ghost. They will likely be eaten during night hours.

Don’t keep these fish with other aggressive fish, or fish that are small enough to be considered food.

Keeping Black Ghost Knifefish Together

Keeping Black Ghost Knifefish together is not the best idea unless you can provide a tank large enough to let them establish and develop their own territory.

Black Ghost Knifefish are recommended to more experienced aquarists as they can be challenging to keep.

This fish has no scales and is quite sensitive to diseases and chemicals in the water. This is why you might want to consider investing in a UV sterilizer.

One thing to keep in mind for this fish is to never use copper-based medicines as it is very toxic to them.

Knifefish are prone to skin flukes such as the ich disease . Your fish will start to itch and rub themselves around the tank, however with the right treatment they should heal quickly. Raise the temperature up to 86°F if you spot any infection. Higher temperatures interrupt the parasite life cycle preventing reproduction and growth.

They are commercially bred in Indonesia which is great for the wild populations of South America.

When you are buying one, look at the size of it. If you get offered an individual bigger than 5 inches, it’s likely to have come from the wild.

If an individual has come from the wild, it might carry parasites and diseases. Make sure you place them in quarantine to ensure no unwanted organisms enter your pristine aquarium.

Black Ghost Knifefish are a carnivorous species . In the wild, they feed on insect larvae, juveniles, and small fish, and worms.

In your tank, this won’t change much and they should be fed with fresh or frozen food such as bloodworms , brine shrimps, or blackworms.

Other alternatives are tubifex worms, krill, prawns, or crickets. You can also try to feed them pellets or flakes, however, it might take a while for them to get used to these.

They tend to avoid dry food.

It is important to keep a varied and balanced diet to ensure that your fish will receive the right vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system.

They should be fed daily with an amount of food that they can eat in a few minutes. They are nocturnal animals and should be fed in the evening or at night.

Initially, they might struggle to feed. Black Ghosts are quite shy and will take a while to come out from hiding.

Some hobbyists have also been successful to feed their pets with their own hands. This might be something that you want to try, but you will have to be patient. It can take a while to train your fish, but it will be very rewarding.

Black Ghost Knifefish are not commonly bred in tanks. Whilst there are claims from some hobbyists that they have managed to breed them, the methods are sometimes disputed.

Some specialized commercial fisheries in Indonesia have managed to breed them. However they are quite secretive about their success, so this still remains a mystery.

The most common factors to encourage breeding are:

Large tanks (at least 100 gallons)
Densely planted aquarium
Lots of hiding places
Flooding and draining the tank

Eggs are laid in a cave or a similar sheltered area. The eggs are yellow and about 0.08 inches in diameter; they usually take 3 days to hatch.

The parents should be separated from the eggs once they are laid. In the wild, it is common for the parent to eat the eggs; they do not appear to have any strong parental instincts.

Once the fry are released they will need to be fed a selection of small foods. These could be infusoria, baby brine shrimp, and/or broken-up flake foods.

Most aquarists do not reach the stage of raising Black Ghost Knifefish fry. If you manage it, may sure you share your story to help others and shed light on the mystery.

Black Ghost Knifefish are very popular, they have a mesmerizing swimming style and can be very friendly once settled in the tank.

Similar to most eels , Knifefish has an electro-sensory system used for location detection and communication.

As they are quite sensitive to diseases and can be a bit picky with food it is recommended that you gain some experience before keeping these fish.

This is a nocturnal fish and will be most active at night. They are carnivores and will mainly feed on worms, brine shrimps, and insects.

Over the years, aquarists have successfully trained their Knifefish to eat from their own hands – if you want to dedicate some time to this adventure, maybe you can get them eating from your hands too!

Have you already kept a Black Ghost Knifefish? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below…

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25 comments.

A peaceful and shy fish. I am keeping it with some jewel cichlids, angelfish, bala shark and a silver arowana.

I keep a Ghost knife in a tank close to the sofa. It Hid all day until I turned on a blue tooth speaker close to the tank and played music through it . I looked round to see it swaying about on its tail next to the glass in the middle of day. It started moving about the way they do mimicking an underwater ballet in reverse. It’s picking up the Bluetooth signal from the phone . This excited it and makes it feel it more at ease when it senses it . I turn off the blue tooth and it’s back into the log . I keep the phone and speaker on all day now so it can groove to the sounds. Could these Bluetooth signals mimick other fish in it natural habitat ?

Hi Gary, thanks for sharing this, this is fascinating! I have no experience of this happening before. Many thanks, Robert

This is absolutely fascinating! I just got my first black ghost knife fish. I’m going to try this to see if I get similar results!

My knife fish has a bulge under its chin? It has been growing slowly over the last 6 weeks. Would you have any idea what this could be?

Thanks Stuart

Hi Stuart, it’s difficult to tell without being able to see it, but a single lump is most likely a cyst. Probably lymphocystis which is viral. To treat this you will need to do all you can to reduce stress, make sure water parameters are perfect, feed regularly, remove any fish which are causing stress etc. Thanks, Robert

Ive been keeping a BGK since 14th March, 2020 now. We still havent named her yet. She is my elder brother’s favourite fish along with a Koi we keep in our pond. My bro has a special affinity for her out of the entire tropical lot.

Ill share some of my observations here.

The only fish my BGK is aggressive or defensive against is my Common Pleco. Idk why but the pleco is the only fish the BGK attacks whenever the pleco gets too close. Since the pleco is a pretty tanked up fish, I dont worry about it. The pleco has learned to stay away from the BGK’s territory now.

African Cichlids try to nip at the underbelly and fins of my BGK. She had been shredded like a paper by the cichlids so I gave the stupid cichlids away. She recovered in no time.

She likes to eat crustaceans. I had an Electric Blue Crayfish in the tank with her. After a molt, the BGK devoured the cray before he had a chance to harden up his shell. Ever since that, The BGK has had quite a growth spurt as she grew 1.5 inches in length in less then a week! I still get amazed by just remembering it

The only tankmate my BGK is afraid of is my turtle. I have a Brown Roofed Turtle in there with her. The turtle has claimed no lives ever since the day I got him (19th March, 2020). He gives free rides to the shrimp I feed my BGK on the back of his shell.

In the beginning, the BGK would come to the surface to eat pellets and freeze-dried worms. She did so for quite a few months but then she quit coming to the surface. Now she accepts anything that sinks to the bottom. Every once in a while, I do witness her going to the surface but its a rare event now.

In a 150 gallons, I keep my BGK with four Tiger Barbs, six Silver Kuhli Loaches, a Common Pleco, a Dwarf Gourami, an Indian Barred Spiny Eel, and a Brown Roofed Turtle (and countless Malaysian Trumpet Snails because of the sandy substrate). Everyone gets along fine with the exception of a few baby snails getting eaten here and there by the fish.

I hope some of these accounts fascinated you because they def fascinated me!

Have had my ghost thats his name for 2 months sleeps in the canopy of the plants i stroke him to wake him up and feed him by hand love this fish

So kinda new to this, but I got a ghost and I am having problems feeding him. it seems like the other fish eat the food before he comes out and gets it. I have 150 gal tank. could use some ideas please. thank you.

When i was a kid, I had one I my 10gal tank. It grew to about 9-10 inches. But it lived successfully for 10 years. It did die from ick when I introduced a new cave for it though. It had an angel fish and pleco living with it.

Bought 3 ghost fish about 3 years ago. A week ago I notice I have a baby about 1-1/2″ long. I’m in shock. Never saw any eggs. I’m very surprised I didn’t suck them up while cleaning the tank. Baby stays near the top on the leafy plants. Eats the tiny pellets and gets very active at feeding. Now what? Anybody got any advice?

Hi Robert, I’ve had Hoover for 3 years now in a 20 gal tank. She’s a stunner and super responsive. Eats during the day with the other fish but I notice lately she eats at night as well as the population in the tank has dwindled to only 4 quests left. I have been planning to get a larger tank but was waiting to finish a remodel. Moving a 20 gal tank as opposed to a 75 gal tank is easier. Just in the last few weeks I noticed Hoover had a whitish film on her and wanted to deal with this organically. After some research I choose to go with a salt treatment as the article said this is like electrolyts and would help the tank. As soon as I started the treatment I noticed Hoover in a panic. Back to more research, I found your page and read that Ghost Knives are intolerant to brackish water. I have flushed the tank twice so far taking out 75% of the water and replacing with fresh. Hoover has settled down with a more regular breathing pattern but is still in shock and not swimming. I am watching closely and am debating whether to do another flush….what would you suggest and hope you get back to me soon.

UPDATE…. Hoover is alive and swimming today! I am so delighted! I only did two flushes on the tank figuring that would be enough disruption for her. So lucky to still have her. They are a special fish! Thank you for all the info concerning ghost knives! What would you suggest to use to rid the tank of the white fungus on her body?

I had two black ghost knifes. The first one, which I think was a male, became very friendly. I could pet him and he began to rest inside my hand. I got a second one, which I suspected to be a female. I noticed what I suspected was mating behavior consisting of swimming around “dancing” with their bodies. Low and behold, one day when I was cleaning the tank, I picked up a rock and a baby knife swam out. I moved some sub strata and saw another one, that was much younger. The female had been guarding the first baby. Sadly, I think one of the adults ate the babies. These fish are amazing! Their undulating swimming motion is beautiful to watch as is their ability to swim both forward and backward.

Hi, I have a pair of clown knife fish measuring approx 20cm long. I have had them for over 2 years now. The power was out at home and being winter in Cape Town the temperature of the water dropped. The fish were acting very strangely before I realized what the problem was. They were vertical (nose down)and not moving at all, like really dead still. I thought they had died. I added some warm water and they recovered in about an hour or so. They, however developed a slimy coating much like a mucous all over their bodies. The mucous was clear but visible and slowly came off their bodies as the temperature increased. I scooped off the mucous that was now floating on the surface. I am guessing that this mucous protected the fish while the temperature was too low and the fact that it was in a stasis form was its way of protecting itself. I just need some clarification.

How black ghost knifefish swimming method improved their function in the environment and survival?

They sleep alot i agree and allways hide i got 3 on one 110 gallon

My ghost fish started hiding by the filter nut as it likes to sleep I didn’t think it was a problem. Today I cleaned the tank but after some minutes I saw that it wasn’t moving. I tried moving it with my fingers but it won’t move. It is dead?

I had my ghost knife for about 10 years, he was already around 25 cm when he was given to me. He was a part of the family loved by everyone but unfortunately we lost him about a month ago. John was his name and he was very friendly eating out of our hands and always rubbing his cheek against our fingers for a pat before taking his bloodworm. He was amazing to watch and would always make our day by putting on little performances for us whenever he knew we were watching. I highly recommend a ghost knife to anyone with a love of unique fish. I will be purchasing a new one eventually when i am ready.

I have 8 Ghost knife fish in a 4ft tank. The largest fish is around 12 inches long. They don’t have any special care and the other month I noticed a smaller fish around 2 inches long…. upon further investigation I have seen a few other baby fish about 1 inch long, so I assume they are breeding. Reading ghost fish articles I am led to believe that these fish are difficult to breed. I dispute all the claims that tank breeding is almost impossible.

Hi. I’ve had a black ghostknife fish for about 11+ years which is why I just checked their lifespan. His name is Avraham but not sure if he’s a male. He’s beautiful to watch and I have a couple catfish in with him plus a couple goldfish. They all get along really well but it is a large tank. Black Ghostknife are my favourite fish…

I took agree I love my B.G.K.I AM PICKING UP 2 TODAY .I LOVE READING ON THEM WHEN I GET THEM I WILL SHARE PIC.

Hi I’ve had my knife fish for about 2 1/2 years it was about 3 inches long now he’s just under 13 inches he’s very tame takes meal worms from our fingers and is so beautiful and very loved its shame I can’t leave a video of him how big he is

I have been keeping Ghost Knifefish for aeound 6 years and they breed quite happiy. I get 2 or 3 new fish every year. There are no special conditions as you say in your article, they just get on with doing what they do

Funny you mention we Indonesian keep secrecy about breeding which in reality we don’t, most hobbyists probably can’t breeding is due wrong setup or let parents on the tank after they lay eggs which not good idea since they will love eating them. Keep look at hard leaves plant because ussually they put their egg on that and makes sure the fry get good amount of oxygen

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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

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Water Parameters

Tank Ambience

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.

No, the black ghost knifefish are not blind, but they have do not have a properly developed eyesight since they mostly remain active at night. This is the reason why they use the electric field for tracking their prey and even communicating.

The black ghost fish has ghost associated to its name as many South American natives believed that the souls of the deceased inhabited in them.

No, the black ghost knifefish, like most other species, are toothless fish.

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Is the Black Ghost Knife Fish Aggressive?

The black ghost knife fish is a unique creature indeed. It’s found primarily in the tropical freshwater lakes and rivers of South America, namely Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. Large, scaleless, and black with a wide mouth and fluttering fins along its underbelly, the black ghost knife appears quite menacing at first glance. But is it aggressive?

The black ghost knife fish is naturally more aggressive and territorial than alternative species of knife fish – which tend to be timid and shy, for the most part. They’re especially hostile towards other knife fish and will prey on smaller fish when in captivity.

Now that you know the black knife ghost fish is aggressive towards other species of knife fish, let’s dive deeper into this topic, shall we. Together we’ll learn if it can live with other fish in a community tank, if it’s territorial, if it has teeth, what it eats, and whether (or not) it can harm you if you feed it by hand? We’ll also discover how to properly setup a tank to keep black ghost aggression levels at bay.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about the temperament of the black ghost knife fish and its social habits/behaviors in a captive environment, then let’s get started!

Can the Black Ghost Knife Fish Live with Other Fish?

Black ghost knife fish can live with others in a community tank environment. The key is to stock the aquarium with peaceful fish of similar size like South American cichlids and/or catfish. Don’t add tiny fish to the tank as black ghosts are omnivorous and will likely eat them. If you intend to have a few smaller fish as well, then you must ensure the aquarium is quite large with plenty of hiding places.

Can Black Ghost Knife Fish Live with Angelfish?

Black ghost knife fish can live harmoniously with angelfish, provided they’re of the same size and the tank is big enough. Both species dwell in similar habitats, which include slow-flowing freshwater rivers and lakes in Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. That said, you should still have plenty of hiding places in your tank for angelfish to take cover if need be.

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Can Black Ghost Knife Fish Live with Bettas?

Black ghost knife fish aren’t that compatible with betta fish. The black ghost is larger, more hostile and would likely kill the betta. The betta is considered semi-aggressive whereas the black ghost is aggressive. The only way it may work would be to introduce them to the tank at the same as juveniles so they can grow up together.

Can Two Black Ghost Knife Fish Live Together?

It’s usually not recommended that you keep more than one black ghost knife fish in the same tank. However, if you purchase them young and allow them to grow up together, they can live together peacefully – provided the tank is very large and gives each fish enough space to claim its own territory.

Are Black Ghost Knife Fish Territorial?

In an overcrowded or too small tank, black ghost knife fish can become territorial. This then leads to increased tension and hostility. To keep this species calm, you should keep it in a very large tank – around 100 gallons or more. If you have more than one black ghost in your aquarium, you must increase the size of the aquarium significantly by an additional 80 gallons per fish!

Do Black Ghost Knife Fish have Teeth?

Black ghost knife fish are toothless. You’d think that being a type of omnivorous fish that prefers meaty foods, they’d need teeth to attack and eat their prey. Instead, they have a large, elongated mouth that opens wide to catch smaller prey before swallowing it whole.

What do Black Ghost Knife Fish Eat?

Black ghost knife fish are nocturnal and like to feast at night on tiny fish, small crustaceans, and insect larvae. They’ll also eat frozen worms and brine shrimp. Plant-based pellets and flake foods can be fed to them as well. Being a large fish, they need to be fed a significant amount of food at least once a day.

How Big does a Black Ghost Knife Fish Get?

Black ghost knife fish get to be quite big when fully grown. They can reach a maximum length of 20 inches which requires them to have a very large aquatic environment in which to swim and forage. The absolute minimum sizes tank for a single black ghost is 80 gallons.

How to Setup a Tank for Black Ghost Knife Fish?

To safely setup a tank for black ghost knife fish to keep their aggression levels at bay, follow the steps outlined below:

Begin with an extra-large tank – around 100 gallons since this fish can reach lengths of up to 20 inches as an adult.
Place fine sand or gravel along the bottom of the tank. This species has fragile skin with no scales and needs a soft substrate to prevent injury.
Fill the tank with treated tap water and test the parameters regularly – the temperature should range between 72- and 82-degrees Fahrenheit with a pH level around 6.0 to 8.0 and a hardness of 6 to 18 dGH.
Add plants, rocks, and other decorations to the tank for cover, especially if you intend to keep other (smaller) fish as well.
Be sure the tank has cycled completely before adding fish. Buy a testing kit and check the water frequently -the ammonia and nitrite levels must be at 0 while the nitrate should read less than 50 ppm before adding fish, which usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks.
Introduce your black ghost (preferably a juvenile) to the tank. Observe the fish often during the first few days to ensure that it’s acclimating properly to the tank.
Ensure you have the proper food and feed your black ghost at least once a day with just enough to sustain it. Should you want it to rotate their sleep patterns to make them more active during the day, feed them several times, not just at night.
Frequent water changes are a must for a tank with black ghosts as they’re quite large and create a lot of waste – at least 25% every 3 to 4 days.

*Should you notice your black ghost aggression levels rising, you must consider re-homing it to its own aquarium, especially if it’s putting the healthy and safety of other tank inhabitants at risk. These fish are also prone to skin flukes and bacterial parasites. ‘Ich’ disease is a problem so if you see your black ghost rubbing itself along rocks and other decorations in the tank, you must remove and treat it immediately.

Can Black Ghost Knife Fish Shock You?

As to whether black ghost knife can shock you or not, the answer is no. Though they do produce an electrical current via a small receptor along their snout, the stream is weak and mainly used to detect prey at night. In fact, this species has the uncanny ability to identify your presence in a room and rush up to the top of the tank to greet you! It will even lay on your palm and take food directly from your hand!

To summarize, the black ghost knife fish tends to more aggressive and territorial in comparison to other species of knife fish. Their hostility is manifested when housed in an overcrowded tank that’s too small. Therefore, it’s best to keep just a single black ghost in a tank at a time (if possible).

I hope this article has been of help to you and answered your questions regarding the temperament of black ghost knife fish when in captivity. Thanks for reading and good luck with your aquarium hobby!

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Black Ghost Knife Fish: A Definitive Guide For Aquarists

June 18, 2022

Black Ghost Knife Fish Aquarium Pet | Fishkeeping Adventure

Table of Contents Show

Overview of the black ghost knife fish, appearance and size, food and diet, tank setup and size, water parameters, behavior and temperament, compatibility and tank mates, common diseases, how long do black ghost knifefish take to grow, how can you tell if a black ghost fish is male or female, will a black ghost knife eat snails, can ghost knife fish live with cichlids, does ghost knife need air pump, final thoughts.

The black ghost knife fish has gotten a lot of attention in the fishkeeping community. It is interesting as it is unique, and it has caught my eyes. It is one of the freshwater species that amazes me for its astounding features I don’t see every day in other fishes.

This fish has a unique appearance, so there’s no doubt that it has captured the interest of a lot of fishkeeping enthusiasts, too. When it’s well taken care of, it can grow and reach up to one foot and stay healthy.

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything to know about keeping this fish. Information will include their diet, tank size, and more!

If well maintained and taken care of, you can expect your ghost to live well over a decade.

We’ll talk more about this later. For now, let’s get to the overview of what you need to know about the ghost.

The black ghost (Apteronotus albifrons) isn’t as straightforward to care for when compared to other species due to its unique needs aside from its large size.

They’re nocturnal fishes native to South America. The fish has poor eyesight, but they can use electrical signals to move around and feel their surroundings.

Their electric receptors won’t stun you, though. Instead, they help the BGK in finding their food.

They are commonly found in rivers of Paraguay and Parana, so they are in countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Their natural habitat is full of vegetation and is characterized with a lot of crannies and nooks for hiding. The water has moderate currents and murky with low lighting.

The water in their natural habitat can also be warm with neutral pH.

On the other hand, the substrate in their natural habitat is soft sand; thus, it won’t scratch or harm the skin of the BGK. This is very important because the fish is scaleless.

They are not the only dwellers in the rivers mentioned earlier but also a lot of insects, which are food to our featured fish. They also feed on insect larvae.

To successfully keep a knife fish black ghost in captivity, the tank should resemble their natural habitat.

Their common name is knifefish, primarily due to the absence of a caudal or a dorsal fin, making it appear like a blade.

The “black knife” in its name is due to their resemblance to a blade, while “ghost” comes from the belief that ghosts of dead people are in their body.

Instead of a dorsal or caudal fin, it has an anal fin. It is distinctively running along its body’s bottom edges and then rippling back and forth.

For this distinct characteristic, the BGK can easily move around even in tight spaces.

Unlike cute bettas and guppies, the black ghost knife (BGK) is a relatively large pet, so a lot of swimming and living space must be considered.

Considered a bony fish, they belong to the knifefish group and a member of the Apteronotidae family .

The fish is unique for the electrical organ in their caudal peduncles that they use to find food. This fish requires at least a 150-gallon tank along with a great filtration system.

They’re also reclusive and timid and require a lot of hiding places. That is why you must consider adding more rocks and roots in the tank.

Use fine gravel for fine substrate and subdued to dark lighting for its lights.

Some people may also prefer buying a ghost tube for their ghost fish. This is a plastic tube that aids in viewing at daytime.

Once the fish has become familiar with the tank and their surroundings, they can be trusting and tame. Some hobbyists even claim holding them in their hands.

The ghost can live with a community fish provided you combine them with peaceful and larger species. However, they tend to be aggressive towards fishes of the same size as them. They aren’t as friendly to fish of smaller sizes either.

For their diet, the BGK can feed on all types of live food, such as chopped earthworms, meat, and frozen/flaked foods.

Over the years, the fish has been growing in popularity because their appearance stands out. A lot of them are now captive-bred and available at affordable prices ranging from $15 to $20 depending on their size.

In aquarium specialty stores, you might find them in overcrowded tanks. For this reason, check what you’re buying and ensure you’re getting a healthy ghost black knife fish. Look for the white spots on the tail of the fish.

A well taken care of black knife ghost fish can live for about 10 years or sometimes even more when kept in optimal conditions. Some even claim that they can reach up to 15 years.

A few things to remember if you want your fish to have a long lifespan is to take care of them properly, including in regards to their food and diet, tank size, and tank setup.

There’s nothing that looks quite like this fish, so you’ll be fascinated seeing it in person.

Intriguingly, they look like a knife, hence the name. They have a long and thin body that has a slight curve in it.

The fish doesn’t have a caudal or dorsal fin. There is simply a thin ridge on top of their body and on their tail is the absence of a caudal fin. They have a skinny tail that has some white bands.

The fish can generate momentum from their anal fins and pectoral fins due to the lack of caudal fin, allowing them to move gracefully.

You can compare the movement of their anal to the stingray’s wings. They can create a wave-like effect, giving them that impressive mobility even with poor eyesight.

For their color, the fish looks almost black. They have a ridge starting at their head running through their back, which is white in color sometimes, and they have white rings or bands on their tail.

For their size, they can grow up to 20 inches, making them not suitable for nano tanks. They need at least 120 gallons of water to thrive and survive in the tank. They have an elongated body, which can make it hard to swim in tight spaces.

The black ghost knife fish can be picky eaters and can have a hard time transitioning to pellet or flake food.

The recommended diet for this big fish should somehow be like what they’re eating in the wild.

Feed them with a natural and protein-rich diet to extend their lifespan and make them happy.

A variety of foods is recommended for your black ghost.

From what I’ve noticed, the fish love a combination of foods, such as frozen and live foods. Prawns, bloodworms, Tubifex, and brine shrimp, are great choices, too.

They don’t have any inclination on flake food, but they do eat carnivore pellets from time to time.

Consider adding feeder fish in their diet, only when your pet is large enough.

This fish is nocturnal, so they look for food at night. As time goes by, the fish will feel at ease to look for food during the daytime.

Consider adding a lighting system that allows subdued and moonlight settings, encouraging the black ghost to come out during times when you need to feed them.

Interestingly, they can also feed from their owner’s hand. Thus, you should keep your hands free from soap and dirt before handling the black ghost.

Feed them once a day, preferably in the evening if this works on your schedule. Alternatively, you can also offer them food several times daily.

Avoid overfeeding your fish because it can make them fat, and it’s not good. Being fat will make them more susceptible to disease aside from putting more waste into the tank.

Know that this fish is sensitive to poor water quality, too.

Reduce the quantity of the food you’re giving them if they can’t eat all of them in a couple of minutes.

The black ghost requires at least 120 gallons of water because they can grow large; thus, they need a tank that can provide them with enough space.

Otherwise, they might show aggression if kept in a smaller tank. It can also affect their health and cause them stress.

The tank size is as important as water quality when it comes to taking care of the ghost. If you’re looking to add another black ghost in the tank, you should also increase the water.

For every extra fish, you should add between 80 and 100 gallons of water. This will help reduce their aggression towards one another.

These fish are sensitive to water changes and conditions like other scaleless fish. You should invest in a high-quality filtration system with a strong flow.

To keep the water clean, you must make partial water changes of between 30 and 50 percent. It will depend on your tank’s bioload.

Water testing is also important to monitor the changes and fluctuations in both nitrate and ammonia levels. And again, it will help to install a UV sterilizer, which can aid in killing any potential bacteria that might cause sickness to your fish.

Most of the time, they spend their time near the tank’s bottom, so using fine gravel and sand mix is also recommended for a substrate. This can mimic the natural environment where they live in the wild.

You must also set up your tank with thick planting around its perimeters. Consider smooth rocks and driftwood for decoration. They don’t generally eat plants, but they love hiding during the daytime.

The fish is rather flexible when it comes to water parameters provided that it is clean. The water temperature should be kept between 73 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and with water pH level between 6.5 and 8. For the water hardness, it must be between 0 to 10 KH.

But even if they’re quite flexible, you should know that they can be sensitive if kept in a tank with suboptimal water conditions. They can be quite delicate to tolerate average water quality unlike other species.

Without even saying, you must pay close attention to the water quality and take it seriously if you want to keep the black ghost, which can easily catch disease. Do not keep them in a tank with poor water quality.

Aside from the clean water, you must consider the water parameters, which you must keep at optimal levels and stable all the time. If you notice a shift, you should start fixing it.

You might want to buy a water test kit, which will help you check and monitor water quality and parameters. Read reviews to look for the right kit that can return accurate results. This will help you decide better when treating the tank’s water condition.

The fish is less sociable and prefers to do things on their own. As much as possible, they want to be alone and just want to swim in and out of their hiding places to look for food when the sun sets off in the wild.

But then, they can also be aggressive especially when facing or around another fish of its own. You don’t have to worry, though, because you can still keep at least two fishes of the same kind in a single tank.

Generally, they will be just fine provided you give them enough space even if you keep at least two black ghosts in the tank. This will reduce their aggression and territorial behavior.

They’ll just be stressed when kept in a small space. This can also lead to their loneliness.

You’ll also have plenty of choices when it comes to tank mates you can combine with them. The knifefish doesn’t use its size to bully or harass other fishes.

You can consider adding some peaceful fishes provided that they’re quite large.

Some hobbyists have tried pairing them with small fishes like neon tetras and celestial pearl danios. However, this can only be possible if the knifefish is still in its juvenile stage.

A few choices on compatible tank mates with the black ghostinclude the silver dollar fish, rope fish, Oscar fish (provided they’re given enough space), cory catfish, electric blue acara, and bichir.

There are more compatible tank mates to choose from, but these are pretty nice additions to a tank with the ghost black knife fish.

If you want to keep them with similar species, I recommend not going beyond two per tank. Otherwise, aggression is more likely even if you house them in a bigger tank.

The reason for this is that they have poor eyesight and crowding more than two might make them bump into each other when finding food.

It can be quite difficult to breed this fish, and it is not recommended especially for beginners.

On the web, you might find a lot of misinformation regarding this matter, and this includes information of different breeding methods. It can be hard to figure out what will work and what will not.

There are claims that some fisheries in Indonesia were able to breed the black ghost; however, not much has been disclosed about the methods they used. Thus, breeding of the BGK is still a mystery to a lot of aquarists.

A few factors that may encourage breeding are a densely planted aquarium , at least 100 gallons of water, more hiding places, flooding and draining the tank, and eggs being laid in a sheltered area like a cave.

Nevertheless, the black ghost knifefish is not a common fish for breeding in tanks even if there were hobbyists claiming to have successfully done it.

Until more reliable information on breeding the black ghost becomes available, I don’t recommend breeding them.

The fish tends to catch a skin disease when living in a tank with poor water parameters and quality. One of the reasons for this is that they don’t have scales to protect them from the pollutants in the surroundings compared to other fishes.

Ich is a pretty common disease to watch out for. Some signs include white spots, which you can easily recognize due to their black skin color. They might also exhibit a change in behavior.

The fish can also contract infection if their skin gets scratched or cut.

Do you notice cuts in the skin of your fish? Notice behavioral or physical symptoms and take them seriously to reduce the chances of your fish from getting serious infection.

You must ensure that they’re healing correctly and look for treatment options if not.

To prevent a skin infection, inspect the fish for a few minutes daily.

The disease can be treated with an over-the-counter medication. Remember not to use medication with copper. You can also treat it effectively through raising the temperature in the aquarium to 82 degrees Fahrenheit for four days.

Treat the whole tank once ich is active in the tank. You don’t need to isolate your fish, but to treat the water to kill the parasite causing it. When you have controlled it, perform a water change and then reduce the temperature of the water to its usual level.

Knifefish can also be prone to worm infestations and protozoa and skin flukes. They can also be susceptible to other bacterial infections due to injuries.

To be safe, quarantine a new fish before adding it to a tank. This applies for all types of fish you wish to keep, especially if you already have a tank previously setup, allowing you to monitor any potential issues before introducing the fish to your tank.

It may also help to treat the water in your tank using an antibacterial product to kill any disease that a new fish may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

The black ghost knifefish can take about two years to grow to their maximum size. Initially, their small size can be about two inches or five centimeters.

However, they can grow large for up to 60 centimeters or 24 inches and live at least 20 years when kept under optimal conditions.

There isn’t much known about this aspect, but according to sources, males have eyes that are positioned more towards the top of their heads. The females’ eyes can be closer to the front of their head. Both males and females are also said to have glowy red tails during the courting stage.

Yes, a black ghost may eat snails. In the wild, the ghost usually hunts for food after sunset. They are carnivores and can feed on insect larvae, insects, snails, worms, and invertebrates.

Even if the ghost knife fish is a semi-aggressive type of fish species, they can live well with other fishes in a community. Generally, they’re perfect to combine with catfish, cichlids, and other peaceful similar sized fishes.

Yes, they need an air pump because they consume much oxygen from the water. Thus, it is important to aerate and oxygenate your tank’s water.

Is the black ghost knife fish for you? After reading this guide, it’s time to reflect and ask some questions. Can you set up a large tank? Can you keep up with the water parameters and water quality demands of this fish?

You should figure things out before deciding to buy a BGK, which is not for beginners undoubtedly. But then, if you’re an aquarist who has been in the hobby for quite some time and you think you’re ready for the black ghost, there is no stopping you.

Start investing in the right items to include in your tank, including a water filtration system, lighting system, and UV sterilizer, to name some. You must also invest in a high-quality tank of at least 100 gallons in water capacity.

Nevertheless, don’t rush and study your options carefully before deciding to keep a knifefish. Learn more about the ghost and figure out if this is the right pet fish for you. Happy fishkeeping!

Edwin is a passionate fishkeeper since he was a kid. He loves caring for the fish and sharing his ideas about fishkeeping with family and friends. He is the owner of Fishkeeping Adventure.

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Black Ghost Knifefish – Profile | Traits | Facts | Care | Breeding

Black Ghost Knifefish, scientific name Apteronotus albifrons , higher recognized within the aquarium pastime as a black knife or Black Ghost Fish is a really uncommon fish from the Apteronotus family. Many fish in nature are similar to one another in body form. However, some species have acquired a singular construction within the process of evolution. Such types are very a lot appreciated by aquarists for his or her uniqueness and are frequent visitors within the aquariums of unique fish lovers.

Black Ghost Knifefish Profile

The Black Ghost Knifefish is thought of from quickly flowing creeks with sandy substrates. This nocturnal oddball is a micro-predator of insect larvae and small fish and possesses a weakly discharging neurogenic electrical organ and ampullary electroreceptors which can be distributed from head to tail.

This signifies that the fish can’t solely sense electrical impulses, however can ship them as nicely. These electrosensory programs are used primarily for electro-location, navigation, and communication, and are comparatively weak as electrical fish go, so pose no threat to the aquarist.

This is an endearing fish that’s an all-over inky black shade apart from a white patch on the dorsal floor of the nostril/head and two white rings on the slender tail.

It strikes in a sleek method by undulating the long anal fin – which stretches the size of the stomach, from just below the bottom of the pectoral fins to the caudal peduncle – and is able to swim forwards or backward with ease.

The Black Ghost Knifefish in all fairness simple to maintain offered that some key necessities are met.

Firstly, this fish grows very giant and can’t actually bend, so a voluminous aquarium (not less than 6ft long and a minimal of two.5ft extensive) is a should.

Secondly, the knifefish should be supplied with a selection of shady hiding spots e.g. extensive PVC tubes, rocky caves/overhangs (do guarantee such constructions are stable), and enormous tangles of driftwood.

The lighting shouldn’t be too vivid as these nocturnal fish are delicate to intense illumination; if the tank should be brightly lit in some areas, present loads of broad-leaved aquatic vegetation and floating species to assist diffuse the light.

Nonetheless, there completely should be areas of darkness throughout the tank that the fish can retreat to throughout the day as necessary.

The substrate ought to consist of soppy sand so that the fish might grub about safely when trying to find meals, and in order that the fragile anal fin doesn’t grow to be torn in any sharp gravel.

filtration and average ranges of move and oxygenation are required, together with a constant upkeep regime encompassing regular partial water adjustments, as these fish are delicate to elevated nitrate and sudden adjustments in water chemistry.

Black Ghost Knifefish are typically peaceable with different fish (that are giant sufficient to not be eaten in a single day), however, they’re territorial with their very own type and different knifefish, so needs to be stored one to a tank and never with another knifefish species.

There can be the added drawback that within the confines of the house aquarium, electrogenic fish can generally grow to be burdened by the presence of different such species as a result of their electrical fields overlapping.

Tankmates need to be of comparable temperament and enormous sufficient to not be thought about a snack; good companions may embody angelfish, eartheaters (Geophagus spp.), medium-sized gouramis, giant rainbowfish, and so on.

Avoid housing with any aggressive or boisterous species, and don’t try to maintain alongside snails or shrimps as these could be predated upon.

When first launched to the aquarium, the Black Ghost Knifefish is usually very shy, however over time, it would achieve confidence – certainly, some specimens might grow to be so tame that they could take meals from the hand of the aquarist, and even sit within the hand itself while feeding.

Blue moonlighting, timed to come back on simply before the primary lights swap off within the night, is helpful in observing your knifefish for a number of hours below its most popular subdued lighting.

Hopefully, if the tank is maintained appropriately and new fish are quarantined rigorously before including the primary aquarium, the need for drugs mustn’t come up.

However, if treatment is required, take a lot of care as these fish are classed as ‘scaleless’ and are significantly delicate to drugs (all the time verify with the producer before utilizing – some remedies usually are not secure, and others might need half dosing).

Many aquarists additionally discover that working a UV sterilizer on the tank helps to eradicate pathogens and safeguards the need for placing the remedy within the water.

The scientific name Apteronotus is from the Greek ‘apteros’ (without wings) and ‘noton’ (back) in allusion to the shortage of dorsal fin.

This is a long-lived and engaging species to take care of, however, this fish is kind of dedication so do be sure that all of its particular care necessities will be met before buy.

Black Ghost Knifefish General Information

The black ghost knife fish’s body form is exclusive. It lacks the dorsal and pelvic fins, and as an alternative has one long, stretching from head to tail and able to undulate (undulating) actions. Thanks to them and a pair of enormous pectoral fins, the fish can calmly transfer in any path; ahead and backward, up and down, twist, swim the wrong way up, freeze in a single place. The fish are extraordinarily agile and, if necessary, can develop an honest velocity. Another attention-grabbing function of the black knife is the power to make use of weak electrical discharges for orientation in troubled waters and when trying to find prey. The black ghost fish virtually doesn’t depend on sight. In the tail half, there’s a particular organ that generates weak currents, and quite a few receptors are scattered all through the body, capturing even the smallest adjustments within the electrical area. For an individual, such currents are completely secure. It is kind of possible to show a black knife to take meals by hand, however, after all, that is preceded by a long process of habituation. Among the tribes from the rainforest of the Amazon, there’s a perception that after demise, the souls of people are possessed by a black knife, subsequently, the fish is taken into account sacred and is known as the Black Ghost. Although some researchers contemplate the legend to be fiction and argue {that a} comparable story was invented by the first fish sellers to create a suitable entourage across the species.

Black Ghost Knifefish Appearance

The black knife is a moderately giant fish. Individual specimens caught in nature reached a size of fifty cm, whereas in an aquarium the fish not often grows more than 35 cm. The body is elongated and flattened, expands in direction of the top, without scales, resembles a knife blade or lancet in form. The head is giant with small eyes, the mouth is finite. In the course of evolution, the tail, dorsal, and pelvic fins have been decreased in fish. Due to this, the fish can transfer in any path. From this aspect, the swimming of this fish appears very sleek. The pectoral fins are giant and rounded. Their body color is velvety black. A white stripe extends from the top alongside the back, and the stem of the tail is surrounded by two white-yellow “rings”. Sexual variations are weakly expressed, females are smaller than males and have a more elongated stomach; in sexually mature males, a fat lump could also be present on the back of the top. The life span of a black knife in an aquarium is 8-10 years.

Black Ghost Knifefish Habitat

The fish is widespread within the Amazon and its many tributaries. It will be present in Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Peru. A typical biotope is a small river or stream with a delicate present and a sandy backside. The water in such our bodies of water is usually cloudy, so the fish virtually don’t depend on sight, however use weak electrical currents for navigation. In the wet season, mangrove forests go into flooded rivers. They desire locations with numerous shelters and corners, the place daylight virtually doesn’t get as a result of the fish is a typical nocturnal predator. For a long time, black knives caught in natural reservoirs (primarily from Brazil) entered the aquariums of amateurs, which negatively affected natural populations. However, after profitable breeding experiments, the fish go on sale from particular fish farms.

Black Ghost Knifefish Care and Maintenance

Keeping a black knife is beneficial for knowledgeable aquarists as a result of the fish is kind of delicate to circumstances. They are normally stored singly or in a standard aquarium with different appropriate species. For an adult black ghost knifefish, an aquarium of no less than 200 liters is required. Most of the time the fish spend close to the underside. It is finest to make use of sand or small pebbles as a substrate. Any kind of ornament is appropriate for adorning the aquarium – grottoes, stones, driftwood, shade-tolerant residing vegetation. The most vital factor is to supply a sufficient variety of shelters as a result of the fish are nocturnal and like to be in shelters throughout the daytime. Some aquarists set up giant glass tubes within the aquarium, during which the black ghost fish are capable of disguise, however, at the same time, they are going to be clearly seen. The lighting within the aquarium shouldn’t be vivid. Black ghost is shy fish, so it’s advisable to create a dim light with the assistance of vegetation floating on the floor. Black knives wouldn’t have scales, so they’re very delicate to nitrogenous compounds and varied infections. In the aquarium, it’s necessary to prepare highly effective filtration and you should definitely set up an ultraviolet sterilizer to scale back the danger of possible illnesses. Once every week it’s necessary to vary as much as 40% of the water within the aquarium.

Black Ghost Knifefish Tank Mates

The black knife is a peaceful fish, good for a basic aquarium with medium and enormous species. But don’t forget that Black ghost knife fish are predators, so any small fish (guppies, neons), in addition to invertebrates, will be perceived as meals. Since the Knives are fairly aggressive in relation to their family, it’s higher to maintain them alone. Good tank mates for a black knife might be Angelfish, giant swordtails and mollies, Rainbowfish, peaceable catfish. It is healthier to not mix this species with aggressive fish. Cichlids such because the Oscar fish can severely fray the fins of their neighbors. And though they normally don’t kill the knife itself, they spoil the looks and health of the fish very a lot. The state of affairs is comparable with nimble barbs – followers of pinching fins.

Black Ghost Knifefish Feeding the black knife

The black knife is a typical nocturnal predator. The basis of his diet in nature is insects, their larvae, worms, different invertebrates, and barbeque. Unfortunately, when stored in an aquarium, fish virtually don’t eat dry meals, so it’s a must to use frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, items of fish, and seafood. On uncommon events, Black knife fish learns to eat sinking meals within the type of granules or tablets, for instance, TetraMin Granules or Tetra TabiMin Tablets. You can select from popular food organisms reminiscent of bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, or krill. You can use the Tetra FreshDeloca deal with which is nutritious and fully secure. It is finest to feed the fish after turning off the lights, but black knives shortly get used to the feeding regime and are capable of swim out evenly throughout the day. Some fish take meals immediately from the owner’s fingers.

Black Ghost Knifefish Reproduction and breeding

Breeding a black knife is kind of a troublesome process as a result of in nature spawning happens throughout the wet season. This is precisely when fish migrate to the mangroves. Sexual maturity in black knives happens at the age of about 1.5 years. It is moderately troublesome to tell apart between a male and a feminine. Males usually have a lump of fats on the back of the top, whereas females have a rounder belly line. For reproduction, you’ll need a spawning aquarium of 100 liters or more. Synthetic threads or a separator mesh are laid on the backside. Several weeks before spawning, a pair of broodstock feeds abundantly. After transferring to a spawning aquarium, it’s necessary to simulate the onset of the wet season. To do that, inside a month, the water level within the aquarium steadily decreases and the temperature rises to twenty-eight ° C. The water needs to be comfortable. It won’t be superfluous to make use of particular rain installations working a number of hours a day. In the spawning field, it’s also necessary to create further flow utilizing sprayers and a compressor.

Spawning normally begins at daybreak. Caviar is giant, sticky, yellowish. The fecundity of the feminine can attain 500 eggs. The producers should be positioned in a unique tank instantly after spawning in order that they don’t eat their offspring. The larvae seem on the second day, and on the fourth, they transfer to free-swimming and are capable of feed on their very own. The fish grows shortly and reaches 5 cm by the end of the first month of life. And, at the identical time, the attribute shade of the black knife seems. In the second month, it’s necessary to prepare numerous shelters in order that relatives do not chunk one another’s tail stalk.

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Black Ghost Knife Fish (Apteronotus albifrons): Care Guide

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