Asian Knifefish (Notopterus notopterus) Care Guide
Notopterus notopterus is a nocturnal South and Southeast Asian knifefish that reaches about 60 cm and is kept by experienced aquarists.
Overview
Notopterus notopterus, known as the bronze featherback or Asian knifefish, is a freshwater fish of the family Notopteridae native to South and Southeast Asia. It has a compressed, blade-like body with a long, continuous anal-caudal fin. FishBase notes it may represent a species complex rather than a single species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Notopteridae
- Genus: Notopterus
- Scientific name: Notopterus notopterus
- Common synonym: Bronze Featherback
Habitat
The species occurs across South and Southeast Asia, with records from Thailand (Mekong), Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra and Java) and Myanmar. It is primarily a freshwater fish that has been recorded entering brackish water, inhabiting clear streams and standing waters and undertaking seasonal migrations between rivers and floodplains. FishBase describes it as an obligate air-breather.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Substrate: sand
Diet
This species is a carnivore. FishBase reports its natural diet includes insects, fish, crustaceans and some young roots of aquatic plants. In the aquarium it is typically fed once daily on meaty foods.
Compatibility
The Asian knifefish is nocturnal and semi-aggressive, occupying the middle of the water column. As a piscivore it will eat fish small enough to swallow, so suitable companions are larger catfish and mid-size cichlids; smaller fish should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019).