Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons)

A longtime aquarium favorite, the Black Ghost Knifefish is a distinctive and unusual knifefish found throughout much of the Amazon and its major tributaries. A nocturnal and generally shy fish, like all knifefish they use a weak electrical discharge to sense their surroundings and find food. Although slow growing, they can reach the impressive size of 14″ or more and tend to prey on smaller fish as they grow. Black Ghost Knifefish are intelligent, often learning to eat from their owner’s hands or even to allow themselves to be “pet” once adapted to aquarium life. In the aquarium, they require plenty of cover, and may be outcompeted for food by more aggressive tankmates but are otherwise hardy and adaptable. This species is territorial, and generally best kept one per aquarium especially as adults.