Brown Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus leptorhynchus) Care Guide
Apteronotus leptorhynchus is a nocturnal South American electric knifefish that generates weak electric fields for navigation and communication.
Overview
Apteronotus leptorhynchus, the brown ghost knifefish, is a weakly electric freshwater fish of the family Apteronotidae from South America. It produces electric organ discharges (EOD) used for prey capture, navigation and social communication. The body is elongated with a chocolate-brown colour and a pale tail tip.
Taxonomy
- Family: Apteronotidae
- Genus: Apteronotus
- Scientific name: Apteronotus leptorhynchus
Habitat
Apteronotidae are South American. FishBase lists a range across the Guianas and northern South America in fast-flowing rivers, classing the species as benthopelagic. Wikipedia notes that some authorities restrict the species to the Essequibo basin in Guyana, where it shelters among roots and under logs in deep channels during the day and is active at night.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 4-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Substrate: sand
Diet
The brown ghost knifefish is a carnivore. Based on diet studies of closely related species, it likely consumes benthic invertebrates, shrimp and small fish. In the aquarium it is fed once daily on meaty and live foods.
Compatibility
Males form dominance hierarchies influenced by body size and electric-signal intensity, sheltering alone, while females may group. The species is semi-aggressive toward conspecifics, especially in small tanks. Suitable tankmates include larger Corydoras and mid-size tetras; tiny nano fish and crowded conspecifics should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN assessments differ by taxonomic interpretation; the narrowly defined Essequibo population has been assessed as Endangered (2022). Confirm the current status before relying on it.