African Black Knife Fish

[ALEXF]

Hello, I have read that these fish are compatible with other fish just so long as they are not to small.... well what would be considered to small? 1inch 2 inches 3 inches??? anyone have any idea?

 

[Colin_T]

never heard of an African black knife fish, do you have a photo or scientific name for it?

 

[ALEXF]

like this http/aqualandpetsplus.com/Knife,%20African.htm

 

[Colin_T]

depending on how big the knife fish is will determine how small is too small. An 8-inch knife fish should be kept with fish that are at least 2 inches long, preferably more. A 4-inch knife fish should be fine with 1 inch fish. But it also comes down to the body shape of the other fishes. If a fish is deep bodied (tall) it will be less likely to be eaten compared to a fish the same length but narrower (more torpedo shaped).
Neon tetras get eaten because they are long and skinny, whereas black widow tetras don't get touched because they are more round in shape. Both fish grow to similar lengths.
Avoid keeping it with narrow fishes and you should be fine

 

[ALEXF]

ok so lemon tetras and von rio tetras are out of the question? but bolivian rams should be ok???

 

[Colin_T]

yep

 

[DarkEntity]

At full size Xenomystus Nigri will easily hit 12" and is an extremely adept predator. Keep only with fish that it wouldn't consider a night time snack

 

[ALEXF]

At full size Xenomystus Nigri will easily hit 12" and is an extremely adept predator. Keep only with fish that it wouldn't consider a night time snack

thats what im trying to find out. at adult size what size is to small? ive never seen their mouths so i dont know how small is to small.

 

[Colin_T]

their mouth isn't that big, certainly not much bigger than the other knife fishes. An adult bolivian ram should be fine with a 12inch knifefish. Neons would get eaten pretty quickly. Rosy barbs would probably be ok. Look for tank mates that are at least the size of an average rosy barb.

Black Ghost Knife fish do sometimes bite the eyes out of their tank mates, so these guys might as well.

 

[ALEXF]

their mouth isn't that big, certainly not much bigger than the other knife fishes. An adult bolivian ram should be fine with a 12inch knifefish. Neons would get eaten pretty quickly. Rosy barbs would probably be ok. Look for tank mates that are at least the size of an average rosy barb.

Black Ghost Knife fish do sometimes bite the eyes out of their tank mates, so these guys might as well.

thanks collin i think im gonna hold off on on of these til (if) i set up another tank.