Black Ghost Knife Fish

Black Ghost Knife Fish - A Mysterious Nocturnal Glider With Electric Senses

The Black Ghost Knife Fish is an unmistakable species with a smooth, knife-shaped black body and a long, undulating anal fin that propels it in an elegant, gliding motion, often in reverse. It is weakly electric, using this ability to navigate and locate food in low light, making it a genuinely unique fish to observe after dark.

This is a large-growing species that can reach 45-50 cm, so a spacious aquarium is required to accommodate its adult size long-term. It's a nocturnal, predatory feeder toward very small fish, so tankmates should be similarly sized or larger, with caves or pipes provided for daytime hiding.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Species Snapshot

• Size Sold: Juvenile, 8-12 cm
• Adult Size: 45-50 cm
• Tank Size: 200 L minimum
• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory towards very small fish, nocturnal, weakly electric
• Temperature: 25-28°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Difficulty: Moderate (sensitive to poor water quality and some medications)

Ideal Habitat and Care

Provide caves or pipes for daytime hiding, dim lighting, and a spacious tank that accommodates this species' large adult size and nocturnal habits.

• Temperature: 25-28°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water Flow: Moderate
• Maintenance: Frequent, consistent water changes to maintain water quality

Diet

A carnivorous diet supports this predatory species' growth and health.

• Sinking pellets as a staple
• Frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and mysis
• Live food appreciated occasionally

Compatibility

Calm and predatory only toward very small fish, this species suits tankmates that are similarly sized or larger and won't fit in its mouth.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Calm, similarly sized or larger community fish
• Larger barbs and gourami
• Robust, non-nipping species

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.