African Black/Brown Knives

[Stab]

Yesterday I got into a heated debate with someone who claims that african black knies are schooling species. His argument was that they are often kept in groups at the LFS and seem to get along just fine. I tried to tell him that this will not work long term, as they are solitary hunters in their native african waters, and will eventually fight conspesifics for territory. Unfortunately, since I've never tried to keep more than one at the time, I could not speak from experience.

It would be great to hear from someone who have tied keeping these in groups before. Please specify tank size, tankmates (if any), and if a shoal arrangement worked with these fish long term

 

[Stab]

 

[dysfunctionaljd]

I had two in a 46 bow with a senegal and some misc community fish and never had any aggresion issues between the big 3. only had them like that for a little over a year, so can't speak for long term, but for that length of time was fine.

 

[dbcb314]

id like to see an answer to this

at the lfs they are all together and seem fine. i have never seen them fight. the bgk at the lfs fght all the time even when small.

 

[jdryden]

I've seen the ABK at the local Petsmarts go at it a time or two but as a general rule, they are all tucked back in a hole together. I plan on getting some soon, so hopefully I can get more than one.

 

[Merbeast]

I had two in a 46 bow with a senegal and some misc community fish and never had any aggresion issues between the big 3. only had them like that for a little over a year, so can't speak for long term, but for that length of time was fine.

How big are/were your knives? I am thinking about getting one, and would like to know how large they get and any possible lessons you may have learned about them. Thanks

 

[arowana man]

i have 2 in a 75 with a arowana, black nasty, and a ornate. they both are 3'' and are always by each other. there african black knife fish.

 

[AttackFish]

I want a Black knife soooo bad. Dunno if I have room in my tank, 75G Cincta pike, two pimoldeus blochii, 1 vieja argentea, 3x silver dollars...

 

[Sundew]

A friend of mine has five adult African Knives in a 150 with large datnoids, and several polypterus. Four of them hang out together in a bunch of plants one doesn't seem to be accepted by the others and is solitary.

I have also had them in schools and belive that you need at least five so they do not pick on the weaker fish, plus lots of hiding places in case some do not get along.

I just bought four to add to a tank and they have ick! Will post a thread asking about treating them.