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 do Black Ghost knife fish eat?
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.
Can I Touch my Black Ghost knife fish?
It is not recommended to touch any of your aquarium inhabitants to restrict disease and injury. Black Ghost Knife fish are omnivorous and will readily consume a variety of live foods – such as meat and worms, or flaked foods.
What is the best water 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.
How often should I Feed my black ghost knifefish?
By feeding this species several times a day, they can rotate their sleep patterns to be more active when the lights are on. Consistency is important to ensure your black ghost knifefish are active during the day when you want to see them.
What do you feed a 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.
How do you feed a black knife fish?
1:428:56Care Guide for Black Ghost Knifefish - Aquarium Co-Op - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUm just treat them you know like you would anything that's kind of a carnivore. That's that's reallyMoreUm just treat them you know like you would anything that's kind of a carnivore. That's that's really their their diet there and just don't give them huge pellets. That's basically it.
What do baby black ghost knife fish 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 do knife fish eat?
What Do Knifefish Eat? The majority of knifefish are specialized feeders, with a number of species foraging the bottom at night in search of crustaceans, worms, insects and small fish. Clown knives, African knives and featherfin knives are active predators and will eagerly swallow any fish they can fit in their mouth!
Do ghost knife fish eat fish flakes?
In terms of what to feed your Black Ghost Knife Fish, do not give them any flake foods or pellets as they will not have the nutrition that it needs. To be fair, some pellets are usable for this fish, but you need to pay close attention to the type of pellets.
Can 2 black ghost knife fish live together?
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.
Do black ghost knife fish need a heater?
The temperature your tank should be between 73 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit (22.8-27.8 degrees Celsius). You will need a tank thermometer to tell the water temperature inside the tank. A tank heater may be needed (depending on where you live) to get the water to an acceptable temperature range.
How fast do ghost knife fish 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).
How can you tell if a black ghost knife is male or female?
2:484:21Male Ghost Knife Characteristics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHead mouth and nose. He's about 12 inches. Long. And he has a very distinctive.MoreHead mouth and nose. He's about 12 inches. Long. And he has a very distinctive.
How long do black ghost knife fish live?
15 yearsThe Ultimate Black Ghost Knifefish Care Guide: Size, Tank Mates and More…Black Ghost KnifefishTemperament:PeacefulLifespan:15 yearsMinimum Tank Size:120 gallonsTank Mate Compatibility:Other large and docile freshwater fish7 more rows•Jun 4, 2021
How big do ghost knife fish grow?
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.
In the Wild
You’ll find the black ghost knife in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Venezuela.
Appearance
The black ghost knife name comes from the curved shape of their bodies.
Size: Larger Than Advertised
Like iridescent sharks, you often find juvenile black ghost knifefish for sale in the fish store.
Black Ghost Knife Lifespan
As you might guess, based on that SLOW growth rate, black ghost knifefish hang around.
Behavior
Despite that EOD ability, black ghost knifefish aren’t social. Oh, sure, they inhabit the same regions and often come in contact with each other.
Tank Setup
So how much space does one of these slow-growing, larger-than-expected fish need?
Black Ghost Knifefish in Communities
As long as you’ve done due diligence in providing enough room for your black ghost knife to navigate and explore in the first place, there’s no reason you to omit them from a community tank.
What is a black ghost knife fish?
Black ghost knife fish ( Apteronotus albifrons) are a tropical freshwater fish that have been steadily growing in popularity over the years. This is mostly due to their incredibly unique appearance that makes them stand out in any tank.
How big of a tank do ghost knife fish need?
Tank Size. The minimum tank size for one black ghost knife fish is 100 gallons. These fish can grow to be quite large and need a tank that’s big enough to accommodate them. Keeping a fish of this size in a smaller tank will not only increase their aggression, but it will cause their health to suffer as well.
Why are ghost knife fish more likely to get skin diseases than other species?
This is because they don’t have the scaley armor that other fish can rely on.
Why is a soft substrate important for ghost knife fish?
The reason why a soft substrate is important for these fish is their body type. Black ghost knife fish have fairly fragile skin and no scales. This means a coarse substrate could cut them and potentially lead to an infection or illness. Once you’ve settled on your substrate it’s time to add some hiding places.
How long do ghost knife fish live?
Lifespan. The average lifespan of a black ghost knife fish is around 10 years under solid care conditions. However, this can reach up to 15 years in some cases! The main factors that influence their lifespan are the quality of overall care (both before you purchased your fish and after) as well as genetics.
How big is a black ghost knife?
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!
Why are black fish called ghosts?
The “ghost” piece of their name originates from the local belief that ghosts of the dead occupy the bodies of these fish.
What fish can you feed a black ghost knifefish?
While your Black Ghost Knifefish is growing, you might be able to keep it with smaller size fish such as Tetras, Guppies, Barbs and Rasboras. Small crustaceans and gastropods (such as shrimps and snails) are not a good match as they are the perfect food for your Black Ghost.
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 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.
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.
How aggressive are black ghost knifefish?
Black Ghost Knifefish will start to become aggressive if they are limited to small spaces and if they don’t have enough hiding spots. They also become quite boisterous if kept with members of the same species or similar species. Make sure any tank mates that you add are at least 6 inches in size and are quite peaceful.
What is the best water temperature for a fish?
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.
Where do black ghost knifefish live?
The Black Ghost Knifefish is scientifically named as Apteronotus albifrons. It lives in freshwater and is often found in the South American region. The Black Ghost is pitch black in color, with a hint of dark blue, and the ghostlike fin that runs along the lower part of the fish is iconic. Black Ghost has a white ring on its tail and the white mark on the head, which may run back to its tail. An average Black Ghost Knifefish grows a little over 30cm (1ft). The name originates from the South African natives’ belief that the dead are reincarnated in the form of Black Ghost Knifefish.
What is the black ghost?
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.
Can You Breed Black Ghost Knife Fish?
You can breed black ghost knife fish in captivity, but it’s often difficult to do. As little is know about this species’ breeding habits in a contained aquatic environment, many aquarium hobbyists choose to purchase them from fish keepers that often spawn them in large breeding ponds rather than tanks.
What Tank Size is Best for Breeding Black Ghost Knife Fish?
To breed black ghost knife fish, you’ll need a very large aquarium. Since a single ghost knife needs a 100-gallon tank to thrive in captivity, a 200-gallon tank for a male/female pair is your best bet. To increase your chances of successfully breeding this species, you must ensure the aquatic environment isn’t too small or overcrowded.
How to Setup a Tank for Breeding Black Ghost Knife Fish?
Setting up your tank properly is key to successful ghost knife fish breeding. Begin by laying a fine-grained substrate like sand along the bottom. Add plenty of plants and driftwood for cover.
How to Induce Black Ghost Knife Fish Spawning?
Unfortunately, there are very few ways to induce spawning with this species. As black ghost knife fish like to breed at night, try keeping the aquarium in a quiet area, free of movement and with the light off for at least 14 hours each day.
How Can You Tell if a Black Ghost Knife Fish is Male or Female?
Ghost knife fish are often hard to sex, since males and females look very similar. This makes it difficult to establish a mated pair for breeding purposes. During the spawning seasons, males will often display a red color along their tails. As well, males tend to have larger eyes that are set higher on the head.
How to Introduce a Mated Pair of Black Ghost Knife Fish to an Aquarium?
Many aquarium hobbyists consider this to be the most difficult part of breeding black ghost knife fish. Purchasing an already compatible, mated pair is likely your best bet for successful spawning. For this, you’ll likely need to contact a professional breeder that specializes in this species alone.
What to Feed Black Ghost Knife Fish to Encourage Spawning?
To encourage black ghost knife fish to mate, you must feed them appropriately. A nutritious diet comparable to what they’d eat in their natural habitat is recommended. Meat-based live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp (offered at nighttime) are the perfect choice.
General Species Summary
Appearance
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” school of thought that’s flo…
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 ...
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’r…
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 Neon …
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 th…
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…