African Knife Fish

[penguinpimp1990]

Common Names: African Knife Fish, African Brown Knife
Scientific Name: Xenomystus nigri
Family: Notopteridae
Origin: West Africa in the Niger River, and the upper Nile River.
Maximum size: 12 inches
Care: Requires a well planted tank of at least 55 gallons. Tempature 73-82 degrees. Soft water, pH level of 5.9-7.1, (6.2-6.7 being ideal) Many hiding spaces and caves are an absolute must because this fish rarely comes out during the day. Will usually find a good hiding place and make it the "home" during the day. May benefit from the addition of a LITTLE salt, but definately NOT a brackish fish. I personally have never added salt to my AKF's tank.
Feeding: Being predators, they will eat any type of live foods small enough to fit in their mouths. They also will accept almost all frozen/freeze dried foods, worms being favorites.
Sexing: Difficult, but females are sometimes more colorful, espically during spawning.
Breeding: Breeding is difficult and rare.
Temperment: For the most part peaceful, but do not house with small fish or large/aggressive fish. Ideal tank mates include gouramis, angels, most loaches, and most medium sized (6-13 inches) peaceful fish.

 

[Straydum]

Here's a better picture of one beside a Botia almorhae (Botia lohachata)

 

[aether.ed]

Once settled in these fish are active extremely active during the day, they become very personable and will beg for food like any other fish. In the beginning they are shy but become very friendly and inquisitive. They still require their caves but they are in no way the shy, reclusive, shadow lurking fish that they are made out to be. Great fish if you have the space!