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African knifefish
Xenomystus nigri
Brown knife-shaped profile without a dorsal fin; the anal and caudal fins form a continuous ribbon.
It lacks the black ghost’s two pale tail rings. Unlike Notopterus notopterus, it has no dorsal fin.
- Adult length
- Up to 30 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 23–28 °C
- Lifespan
- Up to 11.4 years
- pH
- 5.8–7.5
- Hardness
- 1–20 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Typically found in quieter waters with abundant vegetation.
Keep surface access for air gulping. Adults become more territorial.
Same-species behaviour
Juvenile group behaviour does not predict adult social needs. Watch for chasing and unequal feeding.
Space requirements
Provide dim retreats. Plan a 120 × 45 cm base for an adult.
Diet and feeding
Offer suitably sized live or frozen animal foods; dry food acceptance varies.
Compatibility limits
Small fish remain prey.
Aquarium environment
Shade-tolerant planting can provide cover.
Similar and related fish
Sources
www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22