Bluntnose Knifefish (Brachyhypopomus pinnicaudatus) Care Guide
Brachyhypopomus pinnicaudatus is a small, peaceful South American weakly electric knifefish with a translucent body and a feather-like caudal filament.
Overview
Brachyhypopomus pinnicaudatus is a weakly electric knifefish of the family Hypopomidae. It has an elongated, laterally compressed body and is one of the more widely distributed members of its genus. Males develop a distinctive compressed, feather-like caudal filament. Like other bluntnose knifefishes it produces pulsed weak electric organ discharges used for active electrolocation and communication.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hypopomidae
- Genus: Brachyhypopomus
- Scientific name: Brachyhypopomus pinnicaudatus
- Describer: Hopkins, 1991
Habitat
The species ranges across eastern South America, from the Catatumbo basin, Orinoco and the Guianas to the La Plata basin, and into the Amazon basin in Peru. It inhabits low-conductivity, stagnant and often hypoxic waters associated with emergent and floating vegetation and shallow stream edges. Members of the genus can use facultative air-breathing in poorly oxygenated water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (40 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 4-15 °dGH
- Adult size: 15-22 cm (6-9 in)
- Lifespan: 4-7 years
- Provide low flow, dim light and floating cover
Diet
Brachyhypopomus species are nocturnally active predators of small aquatic invertebrates. The FishBase trophic level for B. pinnicaudatus is about 3.1. In the aquarium it accepts small meaty foods offered after lights-out.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, nocturnal bottom-dweller. It suits a calm community of mid-sized tetras and Corydoras, while aggressive or boisterous fish should be avoided so it can feed undisturbed at night.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 1 September 2020). The species appears in the aquarium trade.