Black Ghost Knife Fish

Sternarchus albifrons

Ghost knife fish are a unique aquarium species. There are no other fish with a similar appearance or behaviour.

As their name suggests ghost knife fish are shaped like the blade of a finely honed dagger. The tail ends in a point while the blunt head most closely resembles the handle.

These fish have poor eyesight. They rely on a biological sonar system to navigate their environment and hunt their prey.

The black ghost knife fish is generally shy but you can increase it's visibility for improved viewing. A clear container such as a glass jar or acrylic tube will be accepted as a suitable hiding cave by the ghost knife fish. The fish's poor eye sight is unlikely to detect the transparency.

Family - Apteronotidae

Size - Up to 25 cm

Fish Origin - South America

Water - Does not tolerate changes in water quality or chemistry

Temperature - 20-26°C

Feeding - Eats live food in the wild including small fish

Sexing - No general distinguishing features

Breeding - Captive reproduction is rare

Aquarium - Suits a community aquarium of larger fish