How difficult is it to keep Black Ghost Knifefish?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for Black Ghost Knifefish?

The ideal temperature for Black Ghost Knifefish is 23〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Black Ghost Knifefish?

The average lifespan of Black Ghost Knifefish is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Black Ghost Knifefish get?

Black Ghost Knifefish typically reaches 45-50cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Black Ghost Knifefish?

Black Ghost Knifefish feeds on: Frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, prawn, sinking meaty foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Black Ghost Knifefish?

The price of Black Ghost Knifefish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Black Ghost Knifefish

Advanced

Apteronotus albifrons

A South American weakly electric fish, entirely black except for two white rings on the tail and a white blaze on the snout. It swims forwards and backwards by undulating its long anal fin.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

23〜27℃

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

45-50cm

Diet

Frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, prawn, sinking meaty foods

About

Apteronotus albifrons is an apteronotid ranging from Venezuela to the Paraguay-Parana system and through the Amazon basin. FishBase records 50cm total length, and adults are said to reach 45-50cm. It has no dorsal or caudal fin and swims forwards or backwards by undulating the long anal fin along its belly. It is nocturnal and weakly electric, using an electric organ and receptors spread over the body to locate prey such as insect larvae. In the wild it occurs in rapidly flowing creeks with sandy bottoms. LiveAquaria gives 23-27C, pH 6.5-7.0, 0-10dKH and a 568 litre minimum, while FishBase records pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19dH and 23-28C in the wild. Because it grows large and shuns light, provide daytime refuges such as wide pipes.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Black Ghost Knifefish

The Black Ghost Knifefish lives 8-12 years.

Size of the Black Ghost Knifefish

The Black Ghost Knifefish grows to 45-50cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Black Ghost Knifefish

The ideal temperature for the Black Ghost Knifefish is 23〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (Venezuela to the Paraguay-Parana rivers, including the Amazon basin)

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

Care Specifications

pH: 6.5–7
Carbonate (KH): 0–10 dKH
Water Temp.: 23–27℃
Min. Tank: 568 L

Semi-aggressive

Sources: FishBase / LiveAquaria

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Apteronotus albifrons (Linnaeus, 1766)

Synonyms: Gymnotus albifrons, Sternarchus albifrons, Apteronotus passan

Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.