{"product_id":"black-ghost-knife-fish-brooklands","title":"Black Ghost Knife Fish -","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish are fascinating tropical freshwater fish known for their striking jet-black bodies, contrasting white tail markings and unusual swimming movements. Unlike most fish, they have a long, ribbon-like fin running along the underside of their body, allowing them to glide effortlessly forwards, backwards and even hover in place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to South America, these unique fish are naturally nocturnal and use a weak electrical field to navigate their surroundings, locate food and communicate with other knifefish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish are intelligent, curious and can become surprisingly interactive once settled into their aquarium. However, their impressive adult size and specialised care requirements make them better suited to experienced fish keepers with large, established aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003eApteronotus albifrons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate to advanced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Generally peaceful with appropriately sized fish, but territorial towards their own species\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 40–50 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 10–15 years with proper care\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish require a very large aquarium as adults, with approximately 600–650 litres or more recommended for long-term care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn aquarium measuring around 180 × 60 × 60 cm provides a suitable starting point for an adult, with larger setups preferred.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough juveniles are often sold at only 8–12 cm, they can eventually reach 50 cm and will quickly outgrow smaller aquariums. Customers should plan for their adult accommodation before purchasing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese fish appreciate aquariums with plenty of floor space, driftwood, caves, smooth rocks and sheltered hiding areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft sandy substrates, subdued lighting and floating plants help create a comfortable environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood filtration and well-oxygenated water are essential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow Many Should Be Kept Together?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish are generally best kept individually, with one fish per aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough they are often peaceful towards other suitable fish, they can become territorial towards their own species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeeping multiple Black Ghost Knifefish together may result in competition, chasing and stress, particularly when aquarium space and hiding places are limited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor most home aquariums, a single Black Ghost Knifefish is recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal Water Temperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e23–28°C, with approximately 25–26°C being an excellent target for everyday care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish are tropical fish and require a reliable aquarium heater to maintain stable temperatures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish thrive in clean, well-filtered freshwater with excellent oxygenation and stable water parameters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Hardness: Soft to moderately hard, approximately 5–10 dGH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Flow: Moderate, with well-oxygenated areas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium: Fully cycled, mature and well maintained\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese fish can be sensitive to deteriorating water conditions, so efficient filtration, regular partial water changes and routine water testing are particularly important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish are carnivores and naturally feed on insects, worms and other small aquatic animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA suitable diet includes frozen or live bloodworms, earthworms, brine shrimp, chopped prawns and other appropriately sized meaty foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome individuals can also be trained to accept quality sinking carnivore pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs naturally nocturnal fish, they may prefer feeding in the evening or shortly after aquarium lights are turned off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnsure food reaches their preferred feeding areas and that faster tank mates do not consume everything before they have an opportunity to eat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish are generally peaceful towards larger, non-aggressive fish that cannot fit into their mouths.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tank mates may include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger peaceful South American Cichlids, such as Geophagus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger peaceful Tetras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger peaceful Catfish, provided there is sufficient space and shelter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther appropriately sized, non-aggressive community fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid housing them with small fish such as Neon Tetras, Guppies and small Rasboras, as these may eventually be eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShrimp and other small invertebrates may also be viewed as food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAggressive, territorial or particularly boisterous tank mates should be avoided, as Black Ghost Knifefish can become stressed or injured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThings to Be Cautious Of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black Ghost Knifefish can reach approximately 50 cm and require a very large aquarium. They are not suitable for small or medium-sized tanks long term.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePredatory Behaviour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Although generally peaceful, they may eat small fish, shrimp and other animals that fit into their mouths.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSensitive Skin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e These fish have delicate skin and can be sensitive to certain aquarium medications, particularly copper-based treatments. Always check medication suitability before use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoor Water Quality:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They require clean, stable water and are particularly sensitive to deteriorating aquarium conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNocturnal Behaviour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black Ghost Knifefish are naturally most active during the evening and night. They may spend much of the day hiding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHiding Places:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They require suitable caves, tubes, driftwood and shaded areas to feel secure. Hiding places must be large enough to prevent the fish becoming trapped.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTerritorial Behaviour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Keeping multiple Black Ghost Knifefish together can result in aggression and stress.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They may initially refuse prepared foods and require frozen or live meaty foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Decorations:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Avoid sharp or rough ornaments that could injure their delicate skin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElectrical Sensitivity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black Ghost Knifefish generate a weak electrical field to navigate and locate food. They should not be housed with other electric fish without specialist consideration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelpful Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ghost Knifefish are one of the most unusual and fascinating freshwater fish available in the aquarium hobby.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir ability to glide effortlessly in almost any direction, combined with their distinctive black-and-white appearance, makes them a spectacular feature fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough naturally shy, they can become more confident over time, especially when provided with suitable hiding places and a consistent feeding routine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir weak electrical sensing ability allows them to navigate even in very low light, making them particularly well adapted to shaded aquarium environments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDue to their impressive adult size, long lifespan and specialised care requirements, Black Ghost Knifefish are best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide a spacious, mature aquarium for their entire life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Live Animal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67908172742826,"sku":"TQ60","price":49.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/3564\/4330\/files\/cc_ebkybr_copy.jpg?v=1794476370","url":"https:\/\/petpatch.co.nz\/products\/black-ghost-knife-fish-brooklands","provider":"Pet Patch","version":"1.0","type":"link"}