Aba Aba Knifefish (Gymnarchus niloticus)

Fish in the family Gymnarchidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameGymnarchus niloticus

FamilyGymnarchidae

Also known asAfrican Knifefish, Frankenfish, Aba

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size48 in

Minimum tank size500 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-84°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 6-20 dGH

Appearance

Long tapering eel-like body with a single long dorsal fin running most of its length, no anal or caudal fin, and a blunt head; grey-brown coloration.

Difficulty and care for the Aba Aba Knifefish

Hard

Origin and habitat

Africa (Nile and West Africa)

Keeper notes

A genuine monster weakly-electric fish reaching 4ft, highly aggressive and capable of a serious bite; must be kept alone in an enormous system. Swallows large fish. Often sold tiny with no warning of its eventual size and temperament.

Log Aba Aba Knifefish in your reef tank

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