What's the deal with Eigenmannia knives?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I

Industrial

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 22, 2010
1,297
1
0
Buffalo, NY
I've had a few Glass Knives in the past, but they ALWAYS hid and got ick and soon died. Every other knifefish I've seen (Ghost Knives, African, Aba, Brown Ghosts, Carapo, etc) acclimated to captivity much quicker, and after only weeks stopped hiding on me.

I just picked up an Eigenmannia sp. I haven't had a good chance to look at it yet because it wedges itself in between things so I cannot see it, even though the tank has clear tubes for it to hide in.

Why are these knives so much more fussy and skittish than other knives, and how long does it take them to get over it?
 
My understanding is that these are one of the few species of Knife that actually prefer to be in small groups.
 
I rarely if ever seen my carapo and the only time I do see it, is if I off all the lights and it is only for a few brief seconds. Even if I lift up the driftwood its hiding under, it would follow under the wood all the way -.=''' ...
The same goes for my P.afers . The only way is to provide them with no hiding places. Then they would have to "conquer their fear" and swim about lol.
 
A lot of Knives are secretive and all take it's own time to decided when it becomes comfortable to show itself more. Like mentioned earlier, they do best in groups of 5 or more. They develop a hierarchy so don't be too quick to calm bullying unless you have less than 5. Anything less, bullying can occur. The bigger the group, the less fearful they become.
 
I don't think it will. Glass Knives have always seem shy and fragile to me, so I don't really see it becoming brave enough to venture out on it's own.
 
benzjamin13 said:
I don't think it will. Glass Knives have always seem shy and fragile to me, so I don't really see it becoming brave enough to venture out on it's own.
Click to expand...

x2, got yet another Glass Knife (hoping this one does well for once, been awhile since the last attempt) about three weeks ago. Eating and doing well, but very shy. Glass Knives are usually shy, so that's normal. And as with most Knfiefish, once the lights go out they are much more active.
Hoping to get a Goldline Knife next, but the one in the area has ich. Should get a call as soon as it clears up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom