Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons)

The Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons) is one of the most unique and captivating freshwater fish available in the aquarium hobby. With its jet-black body, flowing ribbon-like fin, and graceful swimming style, this fascinating species quickly becomes the centrepiece of any large aquarium.

Native to the rivers and floodplains of the Amazon Basin, the Black Ghost Knifefish is famous for its ability to swim effortlessly forwards, backwards, and even hover in place using its long undulating anal fin. Even more remarkable is its ability to generate weak electrical signals, allowing it to navigate and locate food in dark or murky water.

Although primarily nocturnal, Black Ghost Knifefish often become more confident and active during the day once settled into their aquarium. They are peaceful with similarly sized fish but should not be housed with very small fish that may be viewed as food or with other electric fish.

Aquarium Setup

Black Ghost Knifefish require a spacious, mature aquarium with excellent water quality. Provide plenty of hiding places using driftwood, rockwork, caves, PVC pipes, or ceramic tubes, along with subdued lighting and open swimming areas. A soft sand substrate is recommended, and floating plants can help create a more natural environment.

As they mature, these fish require a large aquarium with powerful filtration and regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Feeding

Black Ghost Knifefish are carnivores and thrive on a varied diet of protein-rich foods. Offer frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, chopped prawns, and high-quality carnivore pellets. Tank-raised specimens will often learn to accept prepared foods as they mature.

Why We Like This Fish

• Unique ribbon-like swimming motion
• Fascinating ability to generate weak electrical signals
• Stunning jet-black colouration with elegant flowing fins
• Peaceful with appropriately sized tank mates
• Makes an incredible centrepiece for large aquariums

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 23–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• KH: 5–10 dKH
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 450 litres for juveniles, 600 litres or larger for adults

Care Information

• Diet: Carnivore – accepts frozen, live, and high-quality meaty prepared foods.
• Temperament: Peaceful with suitably sized fish but territorial towards other Black Ghost Knifefish and electric fish.
• Social Behaviour: Best kept singly.
• Origin: Tank-bred. Native to the Amazon Basin, South America.
• Maximum Size: Approximately 50 cm.
• Tank Level: Bottom to middle.

Compatibility: Suitable with Severums, Geophagus, larger tetras, silver dollars, peaceful catfish, bichirs, and other medium to large non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping with very small fish, ornamental shrimp, or other electric fish.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, size, and markings may vary slightly as each fish is unique.