Marble Knifefish
Adontosternarchus balaenops
Marble Knifefish is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Marble Knifefish?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm)
- Aquarium size
- ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH
- 6–7
- GH
- 2–8 dGH
- KH
- 1–4 dKH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 8 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 8 years.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–7, GH 2–8 dGH, KH 1–4 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Marble Knifefish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Brazil, Peru.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Marble Knifefish get?
Marble Knifefish reaches ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.
What aquarium size does Marble Knifefish need?
Use an aquarium of at least ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Is Marble Knifefish peaceful?
Yes. Marble 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 Marble Knifefish?
Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.
