Black Ghost Apteronotus Albifrons

🌑 Apteronotus albifrons – Black Ghost Knifefish Care Guide

The Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons) is a stunning and mysterious species native to slow-moving rivers and streams in South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin. Known for its smooth, scaleless black body, undulating fin movement, and electroreceptive abilities, this nocturnal species is both elegant and intelligent. Despite its ghostly appearance, it is generally peaceful and thrives in a calm, dimly lit aquarium.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Apteronotus albifrons

• Common Name: Black Ghost Knifefish

• Origin: Amazon River Basin (Brazil, Venezuela, Peru)

• Adult Size: 14–20 inches (35–50 cm)

• Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but territorial with other knifefish

• Activity: Nocturnal; shy at first but becomes interactive over time

🏡 Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (larger for adult fish)

• Tank Shape: Long tanks with plenty of horizontal space

• Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel

• Décor:

  • PVC tubes, rock caves, and driftwood for hiding

  • Avoid sharp objects—skin is scaleless and easily damaged

• Lighting: Dim or subdued; floating plants recommended

• Water Movement: Gentle to moderate flow

• Filtration: Strong bio-filtration and oxygenation; fish is sensitive to poor water quality

💡 Provide a dark retreat or tube—Black Ghosts love to hide during the day and explore at night.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 1–10 dGH (soft to moderately soft)

• TDS: 100–200 ppm

• Water Changes: 30–40% weekly to maintain excellent conditions

🧪 Their scaleless skin makes them more vulnerable to toxins and sudden changes—stability is key.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

The Black Ghost Knifefish is a carnivorous predator with a preference for live or meaty foods.

• Staple Diet:

  • Sinking carnivore pellets

  • High-protein wafers or soft-flesh diets

• Protein-Rich Foods:

  • Bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, chopped fish or shrimp

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily, preferably after lights go out

⚠️ Avoid flake foods and overly hard pellets—they may be ignored or hard to digest.

🤝 Compatibility & Tankmates

• Suitable Tankmates:

  • Peaceful mid-to-top dwelling species like larger tetras, silver dollars, angelfish

  • Other bottom dwellers like Corydoras or peaceful plecos

• Avoid:

  • Other knifefish (territorial disputes)

  • Aggressive fish or fin-nippers

  • Small fish that may be seen as food

💡 Black Ghosts emit weak electrical signals to navigate—avoid housing with similar species that may confuse or stress them.

🐣 Breeding Behavior

Breeding Apteronotus albifrons in captivity is very rare and not well-documented.

• Breeding Conditions:

  • Likely require specialized hormonal or seasonal cues

  • Requires extremely large tanks or controlled outdoor environments

• Reproductive Behavior:

  • Males and females use electric pulses for courtship

  • Eggs are likely scattered and fertilized in secluded zones

📌 Due to their size and sensitivity, most breeding success has occurred in public aquariums or research facilities.

📝 Quick Care Summary

🔧 Tips for Success

• Install a red night light to observe nighttime behavior without disturbing the fish

• Feed in a low-light environment to encourage natural feeding response

• Keep tight-fitting lids—Black Ghosts are strong jumpers

• Use quiet filtration and minimal vibration to avoid stressing their electrosensory system