Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons)

Fish in the family Apteronotidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameApteronotus albifrons

FamilyApteronotidae

Also known asBlack Ghost, BGK

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi-aggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size20 in

Minimum tank size100 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 3-15 dGH

Appearance

Velvety jet-black eel-like body with a single white band near the tail and a long undulating anal fin used to swim forward and backward; no dorsal fin.

Difficulty and care for the Black Ghost Knifefish

Hard

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon basin)

Keeper notes

Peaceful toward fish too large to eat but territorial toward other knifefish and will swallow small fish and shrimp at night. Uses a weak electric field and can become tame enough to hand-feed. Sold small but grows large.

Log Black Ghost 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 Black Ghost Knifefish alongside everything else in your reef.

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