black ghost knife vs. zebra knife

[i pee in the sea]

some of you may have read my thread where i explained that the BGK that i had bought today at the store arrived dead when i got home.

i'll be going back there tomorrow to get a new fish.

they also had a couple of "banded knife fish", which i assume can only be the zebra for the same price.

i was wondering what the differences of the two were other than their appearances.

thanks for your help y'all

 

[Hoyo12]

Well, either they are Zebra Knives or Carapo Knives.
There is a fairly large difference in the two as well. Carapo Knives are aggressive, and are recommended to be kept alone, or with large tank mates. They also get larger than Zebra Knives. They eat meaty foods, and pellets. Very similar to a BGK feeding wise.
Zebra Knives are very small in size; only get to a max of 8", but have a "worm-like" body, making them look even smaller, lol. They are fairly peaceful, but should not be kept with other species of fish that can fit into their mouth. Same feeding as BGK and Carapo pretty much. Bloodworms, brineshrimp, earthworms, sometimes pellets, and even other fish.

SO, be careful when getting the Knife. Banded Knives are another common name for Carapo Knives, so there is a chance that it could be a Carapo. Can't really tell for sure without a pic. Do a little research first to see if you can get the right ID for the Knife. IMO, I'd rather get the BGK than a Carapo. Not as aggressive, and just as cool... ish.

 

[i pee in the sea]

Well, either they are Zebra Knives or Carapo Knives.
There is a fairly large difference in the two as well. Carapo Knives are aggressive, and are recommended to be kept alone, or with large tank mates. They also get larger than Zebra Knives. They eat meaty foods, and pellets. Very similar to a BGK feeding wise.
Zebra Knives are very small in size; only get to a max of 8", but have a "worm-like" body, making them look even smaller, lol. They are fairly peaceful, but should not be kept with other species of fish that can fit into their mouth. Same feeding as BGK and Carapo pretty much. Bloodworms, brineshrimp, earthworms, sometimes pellets, and even other fish.

SO, be careful when getting the Knife. Banded Knives are another common name for Carapo Knives, so there is a chance that it could be a Carapo. Can't really tell for sure without a pic. Do a little research first to see if you can get the right ID for the Knife. IMO, I'd rather get the BGK than a Carapo. Not as aggressive, and just as cool... ish.

Wow, thank you for the informative answer, very much appreciated.

I'm convinced that it's a Carapo knife, it looks just like this one..

(NOT MY PICTURE)

I'll just stick to a BGK.. I guess they are better looking, plus they always seem to be on the move when I see them at stores. Compared to Carapo's that were just dwelling on the bottom.

I just hope it doesn't arrive dead again tomorrow. I'm still reading various sources that say BGK's can play dead (up to a full day according to one source?).

 

[Hoyo12]

Wow, thank you for the informative answer, very much appreciated.

I'm convinced that it's a Carapo knife, it looks just like this one..

(NOT MY PICTURE)

I'll just stick to a BGK.. I guess they are better looking, plus they always seem to be on the move when I see them at stores. Compared to Carapo's that were just dwelling on the bottom.

I just hope it doesn't arrive dead again tomorrow. I'm still reading various sources that say BGK's can play dead (up to a full day according to one source?).

No problem; Knives are my favorite, lol.
And that would be a pic of my Carapo as well. Once again, very aggressive. He now hides in the back of my 150-Gallon with 12"+ tank-mates, and I still notice fin nips on the fish every now and again, most likely from him.
I have never seen a BGK play dead myself, however I do believe that I have heard stories of this happening once before. IMO, it isn't too common, but I could be wrong.