Brown Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus leptorhynchus)

Fish in the family Apteronotidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameApteronotus leptorhynchus

FamilyApteronotidae

Also known asBrown Ghost, Long-Nosed Knifefish

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi-aggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size12 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

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

Appearance

Slender brown to reddish-brown knifefish with a long pointed snout and an undulating anal fin; lacks dorsal and pelvic fins.

Difficulty and care for the Brown Ghost Knifefish

Hard

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon and Orinoco)

Keeper notes

Territorial toward conspecifics and other knifefish; peaceful with larger non-electric tankmates. Predatory on shrimp and small fish. Communicates via electric organ discharges.

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

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