Black Ghost Knife Fish 18cm

Black Ghost Knife

Easy pinnacle fish for an oddball aquarium the black ghost knife intrigues a lot of aquarists because of its unique body shape. Having a jet black colour with two white bands on the tail the black ghost knife is simple yet contrasting in colour. But what it lacks in colour it makes up in its unique behaviour and eel-like body shape. The swimming style alone is very different to any aquarium fish seen where this fish has a constantly waving fin with controls the way it swims.

Often seem to swim in an almost drunken manner the black ghost knife is an extremely fun and interesting species to watch. Black ghost knife fish also get fairly large which makes them a great addition for South American biotope tanks or large oddball fish aquariums. They aren’t naturally aggressive species but do have poor eyesight meaning they can easily eat fish that can fit in their mouth.

Much like other knife fish and similar species like the elephant nose, the black ghost knife has a highly specialised group of sensory receptor organs that can emit a small electric pulse that bounces of the surroundings which give the black ghost knife a great sense of coordination. Trying to find the males and females in this species is very difficult as there are no immediate distinguishing factors between males and female. The black ghost knife fish is naturally found in the amazon river of South America. 

Tank Recommendations for your Black Ghost Knife Fish

Because the black ghost knife fish can reach lengths upwards of 50 cm they do require a fairly sizeable aquarium. An aquarium with a volume of at least 450 litres with an ideal aquarium size being 120 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm to ensure they have the swimming space they need. They are also a fairly shy species during the day and because of this, it is best to give them a lot of tunnel-like structures and driftwood they can hide in and amongst. They can be kept on a sand or gravel substrate with no issues and will also appreciate plants in the aquarium as well.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Black Ghost Knife are big, boisterous fish which means they can be kept with a range of fish. They do not have aggressive personalities but the size of their tank mates does come into play when keeping ghost knife. However overly aggressive tank mates may also outcompete them for food especially when smaller.

Usually Compatible

Large growing South American cichlids such as black belt cichlids, Oscar, severum, Uaru, peacock bass and similar species.

Sometime Compatible

Geophagus, large angelfish, Convict cichlids and medium-sized cichlids.

Rarely Compatible

Peaceful aquarium species and nano fish such as tetras or shrimp will become immediate food for the ghost knife when adult size.

Feeding your Black Ghost Knife Fish

Black Ghost Knife fish will be fairly easy to feed. They should take to a wide range of sinking pellets along with any frozen or live invertebrate food which is provided to them such as live black worms. Feeding should occur once a day and it is best to do so when the lights are about to go off.