How long do ghost knifefish live?
The common name of this fish, the Ghost Knifefish comes from these stories. These fish are mainly nocturnal animals and they use electrolocation to navigate dark waters. This fish has quite a long lifespan and if cared for properly they will be your companion for 15 years.
Are black ghost knife fish easy to care for?
Black ghost knife fish care is not as straightforward as a lot of other freshwater species. This is partly due to their size, but also unique conditions that these fish need. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about owning these fish.
How do black ghost knifefish communicate?
Black Ghost Knifefish can both emit and receive electric signals. The electricity is produced by an organ found in the tail. These cells sit on the skin of the fish and are used for both communication and electrolocation. This electrogenesis is interesting when looking at the differences between sexes.
Why is it called a black knife fish?
The “black knife” portion comes from the obvious resemblance these fish have to a blade (especially if you think of the white rings on their tail as a handle). The “ghost” piece of their name originates from the local belief that ghosts of the dead occupy the bodies of these fish.
What size tank does a black ghost knife fish need?
120+ gallonspH: 6.0 - 7.5. KH: 5 - 10 dKH. Minimum tank size: 120+ gallons for a full-grown adult.
How long does it take for a black ghost knife fish to grow?
And if we follow everything in this article, they will grow to their maximum size in about 2 years time. Their lifespan will be about 20+ years. Also we will ideally start with not just one, but four Ghosts (more on that later).
How big can a Ghost Knifefish get?
20 inIt will grow to a maximum length of 50 cm (20 in). Black ghost knifefish are nocturnal. They are a weakly electric fish which use an electric organ and receptors distributed over the length of their body in order to locate insect larvae.
How long do Ghost Knifefish grow?
Black ghosts only grow 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) a year – for the first five years. Then they slow down. But the damage is usually done by that point. At full adult length, black ghost knifefish reach up to 20 inches (51 cm).
Can you keep 2 Ghost Knifefish?
This will pretty much only present itself when they're around other black ghost knife fish. But don't worry, it doesn't mean you can't keep two or more in the same tank. As long as these fish have enough space to call their own, it's unlikely that they'll be aggressive toward one another.
Are black knife fish blind?
Black Ghost Knifefish are tropical freshwater fish from South America. These are nocturnal fish that are most active at night and rest during the day. As they are most active at night, their eyesight is not well developed, so they hunt and communicate through an electric field.
What should I feed my Black Ghost knife?
Black Ghost Knife Fish are carnivorous and eat in- sects, small crustaceans and fish in the wild. For this reason, they enjoy a mixture of live foods such as Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, meaty frozen foods, worms and feeder fish. They will also eat small pellets, peas, earthworms and frozen community fish foods.
Can a Ghost Knifefish shock you?
Ghost knifefish generate electricity using a specialized tail organ derived from spinal cord neurons. Unlike their relative the electric eel, these freshwater fish are only weakly electric, not producing enough charge to stun or kill.
Do Black Ghost Knifefish need air pump?
Do black ghost knife fish need air pump? Yes, black ghost knife fish do need an air pump. These fish consume a lot of oxygen from the water, and aerating and oxygenating the water for these fish is very important.
How can you tell if a Black Ghost knife is male or female?
There are no such names given to the male and female species of the black ghost knife fish. People usually observe the eyes of the fish to determine the sex of the fish. The male fish have eyes on top of the head while the females have eyes on the front of their heads.
Do Black Ghost knife fish eat snails?
The Black Ghost Knifefish is a carnivore. In their natural environment, the fish emerge from their hiding places to hunt once the sun has set. Throughout the night, the fish feed on insects, insect larvae, worms, snails, invertebrates, and small fish.
What is the smallest knife fish?
bilineatus at up to 12 cm (4.7 in) in total length. The other is M. brevis, which at up to only 5.3 cm (2.1 in) is the world's smallest knifefish. Microsternarchus are very similar to Brachyhypopomus.
How can you tell if a Black Ghost knife is male or female?
There are no such names given to the male and female species of the black ghost knife fish. People usually observe the eyes of the fish to determine the sex of the fish. The male fish have eyes on top of the head while the females have eyes on the front of their heads.
What should I feed my black ghost knife fish?
Black Ghost Knife Fish are carnivorous and eat in- sects, small crustaceans and fish in the wild. For this reason, they enjoy a mixture of live foods such as Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, meaty frozen foods, worms and feeder fish. They will also eat small pellets, peas, earthworms and frozen community fish foods.
What is the smallest knife fish?
bilineatus at up to 12 cm (4.7 in) in total length. The other is M. brevis, which at up to only 5.3 cm (2.1 in) is the world's smallest knifefish. Microsternarchus are very similar to Brachyhypopomus.
Do black ghost knife fish need air pump?
Do black ghost knife fish need air pump? Yes, black ghost knife fish do need an air pump. These fish consume a lot of oxygen from the water, and aerating and oxygenating the water for these fish is very important.
How long do Black Ghost Knife fish live?
As usual, Black ghost knife fish can live around 10 years. But you have to look after them well.
What is a black ghost fish?
The Black Ghost belongs to the Weak electric fish category. It is curious how they can produce not only electric impulses but also sense impulses, unlike most other types of electric fish. They use these impulses to guide themselves at night when they hunt down prey. Apart from that, they use electric signals to communicate with others of their own kind. They maintain almost the same frequency for themselves, and female Black Ghost Knifefish tend to have higher frequencies than males.
Is Black Ghost Knife Fish Aggressive?
Usually, this fish belongs to the peaceful fish category. But they may show quite aggressive behavior towards other knifefish.
How Big Does A Black Ghost Knife Fish Get?
It’s a fish! It’s a knife! No, it’s the Black Ghost Knife Fish. The black ghost knife fish is an unusual-looking creature found in South America. This article will provide information on how big does a black ghost knife fish get and its diet and habitat.
What Do Black Ghost Knife Fish Eat?
Black Ghosts eat shrimp and small crabs in the wild, however, they’ll also eat ghost shrimp if kept in an aquarium environment. These fish must have a diet that includes live food to survive in the wild.
How long do ghost knifefish live?
This fish has quite a long lifespan and if they are properly cared for they will be your companion for 15 years. It is readily available online or in pet shops for around $7.
What do black ghost knifefish eat?
Black Ghost Knifefish are a carnivorous species. In the wild, they feed on insect larvae, juveniles and small fish and worms. In your tank, this won’t change much and they should be fed with fresh or frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimps or blackworms.
What is the name of the fish that is known as the Black Knife?
It was originally known as Gymnotus albifrons and Apteronotus passan. But today this fish is known as Apteronotus albifrons. Other common names which it is known by include the Apteronotid eel and the Black Knife. An interesting story about this fish is one which is told by South American tribes.
How many gallons of water do black ghost knifefish need?
Black Ghost Knifefish are large fish and need a large aquarium of at least 100 gallons.
Why is the Black Ghost Knifefish so sensitive to water?
For this reason, this fish is very sensitive to water conditions and infections as it lacks the extra protection given by the scales. Black Ghost Knifefish can both emit and receive electric signals. The electricity is produced by an organ found in the tail.
What is the best temperature for black ghost knifefish?
However, the best water parameters to allow your fish to easily settle are a temperature of 73.0-82.0°F, a pH range of 6.0-8.0 and a hardness of 5-19 dGH. Black Ghost Knifefish are freshwater species and can not tolerate any brackish conditions. Some hobbyists find their fish hiding in the canister filter or tubing.
Do knifefish have electro-sensory systems?
Similarly to most eels, Knifefish have an electro-sensory system used for location detection and communication. As they are quite sensitive to diseases and can be a bit picky with food it is recommended that you gain some experience before keeping these fish. This is a nocturnal fish and will be most active at night.
What is a black ghost knifefish?
Black ghost knifefish are strict carnivores. They developed electrolocation to hunt in the dismal waters of their river systems, zeroing in on the signals sent out by their prey.
How many gallons of water does a black ghost knife need?
To accommodate the electric field generated, enclose the swimming room, and provide the necessary hiding spaces for ONE black ghost knife, don’t go smaller than 100 gallons (379 l).
What fish hangs around?
As you might guess, based on that SLOW growth rate, black ghost knifefish hang around.
What does it mean when an aquarist is nocturnal?
This means anything from ich to bacterial infections from scratches. And since their nocturnal behavior keeps them active while you sleep, many aquarists miss crucial signs.
Where does the name Black Ghost knife come from?
The black ghost knife name comes from the curved shape of their bodies.
How big is a wild caught fish?
However, take a look at the size of the fish on offer. If the fish is over 5 inches (13 cm), it’s probably wild-caught.
Do black ghost knifefish turn into bullies?
Obviously, that leaves out smaller fish. Not because black ghost knifefish will turn into bullies (that isn’t in their temperament).
General Species Summary
Appearance
- This is where things get fun. The appearance of the black ghost knife fish is obviously the main reason why these fish are so popular. There’s really nothing like it! Their bodies are long, thin, and slightly curved (like a knife). The vertical width of this fish tapers off gradually before thinning out significantly at their tail. They don’t have a dorsal or caudal fin. On the top of their body, there’s s…
Size
- The average black ghost knife fish size is somewhere between 18 and 20 inches when fully grown.This is one of the most commonly misunderstood pieces of information about this species. A lot of potential owners seem to think they’re a lot smaller than they really are! Author Note:Don’t fall victim to the “they will grow to fit the size of their tank...
Black Ghost Knife Fish Care
- Due to their size, unique body type, and disease sensitivity, this species is not a great fit for beginners. Black ghost knife fish care is something that’s a better fit for an aquarist who’s been around the block a few times. This section will break down the key aspects of care when it comes to tank and water needs. Read it carefully to decide if owning these fish is right for you.
Recommended Food & Diet
- The ideal diet for black ghost knife fish is very similar to what they eat in their natural habitat. Unlike some other species, these fish tend to be very resistant to transitioning over to flake or pellet foods. Because of this, we prefer to give them what they want. From what we’ve observed, the black ghost knife fish that have lived the longest have been fed with a more protein-rich and …
Behavior & Temperament
- In general, black ghost knife fish want to mind their own business. They’re relatively active fish that prefer to do their own thing and be left alone. They’re used to swimming in and out of hiding places near the substrate looking for food. Anything else is extra stress they don’t want to deal with! However, they have an aggressive side. This will pretty much only present itself when they’…
Black Ghost Knife Fish Tank Mates & Compatability
- There are a number of compatible black ghost knife fish tank mates you can consider. This is because this species likes to mind their own business and doesn’t use its size to be a bully. Almost any peaceful freshwater fish can be paired with your black ghost as long as they’re not too small. Some owners have gotten away with small fish like Celestial Pearl Danios or Green Neo…
Breeding Information
- Breeding these fish is something we don’t recommend due to the lack of information that’s available on the process.There are so many conflicting methods that have been tried that it’s hard to tell what works and what doesn’t. Unlike some of the other guides on the internet that are fine passing along general best practices and hoping for the best, we believe it’s be a disservice to t…
What’s Next
- Black ghost knife fish care is a very rewarding process if you’re up to the challenge. It never gets old watching these fish swim around the aquarium! Now that you have a better understanding of what kind of effort is required if you want to own this species, it’s time for you to decide if they’re right for you. We always encourage potential owners to be as honest with themselves as possibl…
Overview of The Black Ghost Knife Fish
- If well maintained and taken care of, you can expect your ghost to live well over a decade. We’ll talk more about this later. For now, let’s get to the overview of what you need to know about the ghost. The black ghost (Apteronotus albifrons) isn’t as straightforward to care for when compared to other species due to its unique needs aside from its large size. They’re nocturnal fishes nativ…
Lifespan
- A well taken care of black ghost knife fish can live for about 10 years or sometimes even more when kept in optimal conditions. Some even claim that they can reach up to 15 years. A few things to remember if you want your fish to have a long lifespan is to take care of them properly, including in regards to their food and diet, tank size, and tank ...
Appearance and Size
- There’s nothing that looks quite like this fish, so you’ll be fascinated seeing it in person. Intriguingly, they look like a knife, hence the name. They have a long and thin body that has a slight curve in it. The fish doesn’t have a caudal or dorsal fin. There is simply a thin ridge on top of their body and on their tail is the absence of a caudal fin. They have a skinny tail that has some …
Food and Diet
- The black ghost knife fish can be picky eaters and can have a hard time transitioning to pellet or flake food. The recommended diet for this big fish should somehow be like what they’re eating in the wild. Feed them with a natural and protein-rich diet to extend their lifespan and make them happy. A variety of foods is recommended for your black ghost. From what I’ve noticed, the fish l…
Tank Setup and Size
- The black ghost requires at least 120 gallons of water because they can grow large; thus, they need a tank that can provide them with enough space. Otherwise, they might show aggression if kept in a smaller tank. It can also affect their health and cause them stress. The tank size is as important as water quality when it comes to taking care of the ghost. If you’re looking to add ano…
Water Parameters
- The fish is rather flexible when it comes to water parameters provided that it is clean. The water temperature should be kept between 73 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and with water pH level between 6.5 and 8. For the water hardness, it must be between 0 to 10 KH. But even if they’re quite flexible, you should know that they can be sensitive if kept in a tank with suboptima…
Behavior and Temperament
- The fish is less sociable and prefers to do things on their own. As much as possible, they want to be alone and just want to swim in and out of their hiding places to look for food when the sun sets off in the wild. But then, they can also be aggressive especially when facing or around another fish of its own. You don’t have to worry, though, because you can still keep at least two fishes of the …
Compatibility and Tank Mates
- You’ll also have plenty of choices when it comes to tank mates you can combine with them. The knifefish doesn’t use its size to bully or harass other fishes. You can consider adding some peaceful fishes provided that they’re quite large. Some hobbyists have tried pairing them with small fishes like neon tetras and celestial pearl danios. However, this can only be possible if the …
Breeding
- It can be quite difficult to breed this fish, and it is not recommended especially for beginners. On the web, you might find a lot of misinformation regarding this matter, and this includes information of different breeding methods. It can be hard to figure out what will work and what will not. There are claims that some fisheries in Indonesia were able to breed the black ghost; however, not mu…
Common Diseases
- The fish tends to catch a skin disease when living in a tank with poor water parameters and quality. One of the reasons for this is that they don’t have scales to protect them from the pollutants in the surroundings compared to other fishes. Ich is a pretty common disease to watch out for. Some signs include white spots, which you can easily recognize due to their black skin c…