Aba aba knife fish

[Holdenon5]

I'm just curious if anyone has any experience keeping these? Growth rate? Water chemistry(pH and hardness)? Diet?

 

[Allan01230]

I took care of freinds while he was on vacation it was 2 feet long and in a 125 there were some agressive other fish in with it trimac and some large redhooks. I know it was a nasty fish and the other kept away from it.

 

[Jakob]

I've never owned aba aba but they grow really fast and usually won't tolerate any tankmates when they are past 1'.

 

[Allan01230]

Actually this fish needs a 300 gallon at maturity. Then can get 5 1/2 feet long and weigh 40 pounds, my friend actually gave the fish to a local store who in turned sold it. It ended up killing everything in the 125 one night. Not a very good aquarium fish imo

 

[wednesday13]

very cool species to own...quite personable when larger 18"+... should b housed alone. had mine around 5 yrs now and hes currently 26-28" in a 180 gal.

 

[Holdenon5]

Thanks for all the info! Are they real sensitive when it comes to water chemistry? Not talking about nitrate, nitrite, etc.. But hardness in particular. My water here is pretty hard, pH of around 8.4.

 

[Allan01230]

naw typical knifefish can adjust easily as long as nitrates arent really high as with any fish.

 

[wednesday13]

Thanks for all the info! Are they real sensitive when it comes to water chemistry? Not talking about nitrate, nitrite, etc.. But hardness in particular. My water here is pretty hard, pH of around 8.4.

pretty hardy fish imo... mines been through alot in 5 yrs... they can be sensitive when small 3-6" but after that there pretty good to go in most normal conditions. for more specific info on water chemistry, research the river nile where they come from. my ph is around 7.5 outta the tap here and i also run autodrip systems but this fish in particular lived with me for 3 yrs without the autodrip.

 

[Holdenon5]

Ok cool thank you! I'm thinking of getting one after I come across a good size tank to start him out in!