African Knifefish (Xenomystus nigri)
Fish in the family Notopteridae. Moderate care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameXenomystus nigri
FamilyNotopteridae
Also known asAfrican Brown Knifefish, False Featherback
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
DietCarnivore
Adult size12 in
Minimum tank size55 gallons
Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 3-14 dGH
Appearance
Uniform brown to grey knife-shaped body lacking a dorsal fin, with a long undulating anal fin reaching the tail.
Difficulty and care for the African Knifefish
Moderate
Origin and habitat
West and Central Africa
Keeper notes
A smaller knifefish that is shy by day and predatory at night, eating shrimp and small fish; can be territorial with conspecifics and other knifefish. Peaceful with larger tankmates. Known to make audible barking sounds.
Log African Knifefish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track African Knifefish alongside everything else in your reef.
