Mexican Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus rostratus) Care Guide
Apteronotus rostratus is a Central American electric knifefish with an elongated rostrum, reaching about 27 cm and reported from Panama, Colombia and Venezuela.
Overview
Apteronotus rostratus is an electric knifefish of the family Apteronotidae with an elongated rostrum (snout) and a slate-brown body. Like its relatives it uses weak electric organ discharges for orientation and communication.
Taxonomy
- Family: Apteronotidae
- Genus: Apteronotus
- Scientific name: Apteronotus rostratus
Habitat
FishBase records the species from Panama, Colombia and Venezuela in freshwater, classing it as benthopelagic and tropical. It occupies a mid-level trophic position (trophic level about 3.3).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Substrate: sand
Diet
The species is a carnivore. Its mid-level trophic position is consistent with a diet of small invertebrates and fish. In the aquarium it is fed once daily on meaty and live foods.
Compatibility
This is a nocturnal, semi-aggressive knifefish that occupies the middle of the water column. Larger tetras make suitable companions, while tiny nano fish should be avoided as potential prey.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019); the species shows low vulnerability to fishing pressure.