Species profile

Black Ghost Knifefish

Apteronotus albifrons

Common names: Black Ghost Knifefish, Apteronotid Eel, Black Ghost

Recognized speciesKnifefish

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Adult size

Up to 50 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

A peaceful community tank with similar-sized fish
A keeper with room for a large aquarium

Think carefully if

You cannot provide about 648 litres for a fully grown fish
You keep shrimp you want to protect

A striking black fish with white on the nose and two white tail bands. Keep alone or in a small group in 648 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A striking black fish with white on the nose and two white tail bands. It is often sold at about 10 cm and reaches 50 cm, so it needs a tank close to 2 metres long and a good deal of cover.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Hard to sex in most species.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 2,590–3,240 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 650–975 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 648 litres
Minimum tank length: 180 cm
Minimum group size: 1
Recommended group size: 1
Activity level: Low
Flow preference: Moderate
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

Use dim lighting, plenty of tubes and hiding places, and a soft bottom. Most are active at night, and they are shy without cover.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A shy fish that swims by rippling a long ribbon-like fin, and it can move backwards as easily as forwards. Many produce weak electric signals to find their way.

Varies by species, so see the notes.

Often territorial towards its own kind.

Keep with calm fish that are too big to swallow. It may eat small fish at night. It is likely to eat shrimp.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 23–28 °C
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–10
Stability importance: Important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Parameter caveat

Keep up regular water changes, and acclimatise new fish slowly.

Feeding

Diet types: Carnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Frozen bloodworm and small prawnFeed in the evening, when the fish is most active.
Live wormsGood for tempting shy fish to feed.

Feed meaty foods, and do so in the evening.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding difficulty: Not commonly bred
Parental care: Unknown

Little has been recorded about breeding this fish in aquariums.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, South America, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela
Natural habitat: Freshwater Stream, River
Aquarium contexts: Large Freshwater Aquarium, Planted Aquarium
Audience level: Specialist

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Apteronotus
Family: Apteronotidae
Species group: Fish, Knifefish

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