I think that top photo is forced perspective. But I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't!
That's huge!
Biggest Black Ghost Knife
- Thread starter amazontank
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- bgk black ghost knifefish
- Dec 2, 2018
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It’s a shame that they average under 10” in the hobby. Like my lfs that sells red tail cats and pacu to kids with 30 gallons. (Bobs Tropical Fish, in Augusta Georgia...feel free to flame them)
It’s a gorgeous fish. And obviously a huge one. Has to be around 2’ but it’s just a guess. Old fish have a look to them. And the coloration around his head makes me think he’s a giant grandpa ghost knife.
It’s a gorgeous fish. And obviously a huge one. Has to be around 2’ but it’s just a guess. Old fish have a look to them. And the coloration around his head makes me think he’s a giant grandpa ghost knife.
The original image is a forced perspective of a male that's been floating around for a few years (likely under 20 inch, 22-24" at absolute most). When they exceed 17-20 inch, the eyes are useless organs (could almost say vestigial) and the skin will either grow over them, or they lose those organs through atrophy. The original one pictured looks like it still has light reflecting off its lens, so it's difficult to believe this specimen is over 2ft; although I do believe this is a species which can very easily reach that size in time.
Here's one of mine after the eye becomes naturally atrophied.
Here's one of mine after the eye becomes naturally atrophied.
Here's another of mine (18") where the skin has grown over the eye
Very interesting! Why would it lose it's eye over time? Does it then rely on the electrosensory organs?
- Dec 2, 2018
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I think it relies on that all its life, in its natural habitat eyes are pretty much useless anyway. I think it's kind of similar to other fish losing scales with age.
