General Info: Knifefish make interesting additions to a community tank, or a nice show-fish in a specialty type tank. Some knifes are native to Africa, (African knife, Clown knife) others come form South America (Black ghost knife, glass knife). They are most active at night.Compatibility: Usually peaceful with fish of similar size, but many are territorial and quarrelsome among themselves. These fish swim by undulating the long anal fish. Not for tanks with guppies or neons, but suitable with medium sized fish. (Community #4, Community #5, Community #6, Community #7, Community #8, Community #9)
Housing: Most are secretive fish and try to avoid light. Provide rocks and hiding spots so that they can hide during the day. Keep tank tightly covered because they are jumpers.
Feeding: For success with knife fish, special attention should be given to their feeding. Feed once a day. Most will not eat flake food, and they should be offered frozen or live brine shrimp. Supplement occasionally with live guppies, or frozen plankton, frozen bloodworms, or Formula 1. standard foods. Since most are nocturnal feeders we recommend that twice a week you feed after you turn the lights off. Remove any uneaten food the next morning.
Longevity: Average life-span is 3-7 years.
Knifefish, African Kenomystus nigri 8' 75-80 OK with fish of similar size; adults can be kept with large fish; once adapted hardy and long lived; provide hiding spots; most active at night; quarrelsome among themselves; feed frozen foods
Knifefish, Black Ghost Eigenmannia virecens 16" 75-80 OK with fish of similar size; adults can be kept with large fish; once adapted hardy and long lived; provide hiding spots; most active at night; quarrelsome among themselves; feed frozen foods, bloodworms
Knifefish, Carapo Gymnotus carapo 20" 75-80 Predatory fish that must be kept with cichlid-like fish of similar size. Hardy and long lived; provide hiding spots; most active at night; quarrelsome among themselves.
Knifefish, Clown Notopterus chitala 24" 75-80 OK with fish of similar size; once adapted hardy and long lived; provide hiding spots; most active at night; quarrelsome among themselves. Adult specimens (12" or larger) should be housed with large fish such as oscars, gars, juruparis in tanks 100 gallons or more.
by Elmer's Aquarium
