Golden Ghost Knife Fish 8cm

Golden Ghost Knife Fish

The Golden or Brown Knife Fish is a close relative of the beloved black ghost knife. These weird fish intrigue a lot of aquarists because of their unique body shape, colouration, and almost drunken swimming style. These fish reach around 30 cm which makes them a fantastic addition to larger oddball aquariums or even to showcase in a species-only setting. They will be a great species for experienced aquarists to try out due to their sensitivity and care requirements.

The golden knife fish have a long eel-like body shape and are laterally compressed. This odd body shape along with their pointed and slender face makes one question if these are even fish. They also have a very wild and almost camouflage-style colour patterning with an array of browns. These earthy tones in a biotope style scape make the brown ghost knife fish look nearly invisible in the aquarium until they start moving. The level of brown also really does depend on their environment and the individual fish, in some cases these fish are so dark they almost look like black ghost knives.

Much like other knife fish and similar species like the elephant nose, the golden ghost knife has a highly specialised group of sensory receptor organs that can emit a small electric pulse that bounces off the surroundings which gives the brown 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 females. Breeding them is possible however it is a task best kept to dedicated and experienced aquarists since this species often displays aggression to other ghost knifes. Breeding needs to be done in a dedicated tank with certain environmental and dietary triggers for spawning, these fish then lay adhesive eggs but show no parental behaviour. The golden ghost knife fish is naturally found in the Amazon River of South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Golden Ghost Knife Fish

Because the golden ghost knife fish can reach lengths upwards of 30 cm they do require a fairly sizeable aquarium. An aquarium with a volume of at least 450 litres with a large footprint would be ideal. 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 greatly.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Golden Ghost Knifes is a big fish however they are quite shy and 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 knives. However overly aggressive tank mates may also outcompete them for food especially when smaller.

Usually Compatible

Oscar cichlids, bandit cichlids, Congo tetras, and peaceful but larger growing fish.

Sometime Compatible

Angelfish, Convict cichlids, Torpedo barbs, and other medium growing aquarium species. Caution should be taken around cichlids since these can get territorial and nippy at times.

Rarely Compatible

Nano fish such as neon tetras or shrimp will become an immediate meal for the ghost knife when it is adult-sized.

Feeding your Golden Ghost Knife Fish

Golden Ghost Knife fish may be a challenge to feed especially in the first few days of keeping them. They may not take too many pellets or flakes and it is best to start them on either frozen or live invertebrate-based foods.

This can include live blackworms, brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, or even krill. Once they are feeding well on these foods, a sinking pellet or flake food can be trialed. It is best to feed them at night or to dim the aquarium lights before feeding.