Black Ghost Knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons
Black Ghost Knifefish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
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Need help with Black Ghost Knifefish?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 19.7" (≤ 50 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom dweller
- Temperature
- 73–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH
- 6–8
- GH
- 5–10 dGH
- KH
- 0–10 dKH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 15 years
- Group behavior
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Lifespan: up to 15 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–10 dGH, KH 0–10 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Black Ghost Knifefish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Black Ghost Knifefish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Feeds on small invertebrates and fishes; dim sheltered feeding, access to live/frozen meaty foods; avoid quick competitors.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Paraguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Black Ghost Knifefish get?
Black Ghost Knifefish reaches ≤ 19.7" (≤ 50 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.
What aquarium size does Black Ghost Knifefish need?
Use an aquarium of at least 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.
Is Black Ghost Knifefish peaceful?
Yes. Black Ghost Knifefish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Black Ghost Knifefish?
Keep it between 23 to 28 °C.
Should Black Ghost Knifefish be kept alone or in a group?
Black Ghost Knifefish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
