Gr8KarmaSF said:
Well not alot is known about this fish, really.. People have kept the common Carapo knives, but I have hardly seen any of the 'Flash' variants.. The largest one seen has been around 18".. I am assuming they should be isolated, but if the tankmates are chosen wisely and you use trial and error, as well as a large enough tank, it could be done. They don't really have the mouth structure to bite another fish, but they may harass others at night. From what I have noticed, they usually stick to their territory and don't bother others, unless they invade that space.
They are active at any time of the day, and have a super-keen sense of vibration and smell.. They can locate food in the water, and hand feed very easily.. They seem to be quite hardy, and don't require any fuss or extra maintenance with the water. We usually isolate ours in a 50g tank with a heater, powerhead/sponge, and a PVC tube, and they are completely happy.
Like I said, I have kept millions of fish before, and this one has to be one of my favorites.. I have a few Pets at home, including a 10" Fahaka and a 14" Buttikoferi, as well as a 14" Black Ghost Knife. I would *ANYDAY* make tank-space to keep the knifefish as my pet. They are stunning as well as intelligent and bear a great personality. Some people have a hard time understanding the concept of '1 tank, 1 fish..' but after most people see my small collection of 'Pets' by themselves in their big tanks, they understand why.
If you refuse to participate simply because you are unwilling to accomodate the needs of this special fish, then it is definately your own loss.. The cost of setting up a tank for a fish like this, is about 1/2 the cost of the fish itself. I, as well as many others, should be very excited at the chance to win a fish like this for FREE, rather than dropping a weeks pay for it! If for some reason you do win, and do not wan't the fish, we would be happy to ship it to another purchaser so it finds a good home! Maybe my house!!
