African Brown Knifefish (Xenomystus Nigri)

The African brown knifefish is a nocturnal freshwater fish that is native to Africa.. They are a relatively new fish to the aquarium trade and are not commonly found in pet stores.. If you are looking for a unique fish to add to your tank, the African brown knifefish might be the right fish for you!. Scientific Classification. Kingdom:. Animalia. Phylum:. Chordata. Class:. Actinopterygii. Order:. Osteoglossiformes. Family:. Notopteridae. Genus:. Xenomystus. Species:. nigri. African Knife Fish – Quick Aquarium Care. Aquarist Experience Level:. Intermediate. Aquarium Hardiness:. Moderately hardy. Minimum Tank Size:. 55 gal (208 L). Size of fish – inches. 11.8 inches (30.00 cm). Temperament:. Semi-aggressive. Temperature:. 72.0 to 82.0° F (22.2 to 27.8&deg C). Description. The African Knife Fish can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in the wild, but aquarium raised specimens are usually smaller, reaching around 8 inches (20 cm). The uniform blackish gray brown body of the African Knifefish is flat and elongated with an arched back. It has a continuous fin along the underside formed by a joining of the caudal and anal fin. It is a graceful swimmer and this fin allows it to move both forwards and backwards. These fish have no dorsal fins.. It has a large mouth and two short barbels used for hunting. When not hiding it will normally be seen swimming with its head down and barbels close to substrate hunting for food. The barbels help to locate food. Like other knifefishes, it is a nocturnal predator that also uses electrical fields to navigate and find prey.. Its scales are very small giving them an almost scaleless appearance with the only break being the lateral line. The lateral line is this fishes most important sensory apparatus, It has nerve filled pits throughout which gives it the ability to swim in lightless waters by emitting electrical pulses. An interesting characteristic is its ability to emit a bell-like or barking sound, produced by ejecting air from its swim bladder.. Size of fish – inches: 11.8 inches (30.00 cm) – In the wild, the African Knifefish can grow as large as 12″ (30 cm), but a maximum size of around 8″ (20 cm) is more realistic for a tank raised specimen.. Lifespan: 10 years – Their average life expectancy runs between 3 – 7 years, with an occasional lifespan of 10 years.. Fish Keeping Difficulty. These knifefish are very hardy after the first 30 days in a new environment. These fish are mainly wild caught and can be very timid and hard to fed at first. So there is a high mortality rate during this acclimation time. Once you get past the first 30 days they are very easy to take care of. Making sure they are getting their share of the food is the hardest part. They are not only shy but also normally only eat at night unless trained to eat during the day, which can be done.. Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy. Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate. Foods & Feeding. The African Knifefish are carnivores. In the wild they begin to eat when the sun sets and continue throughout the night, feeding on worms, crustaceans, insects and snails. A tank of around 55 gallons is large enough to keep an adult in good condition for all of its life. They are one of the few species of knife fish that will eat dried foods such as flakes and sinking pellets. A varied diet is important so be sure to also feed some fresh or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. They will eat small fish but this is more of a warning that small tank mates may disappear, not a suggestion for feeding.. Diet Type: Carnivore. Flake Food: Occasionally. Tablet / Pellet: Yes. Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Most of Diet. Meaty Food: All of Diet. Feeding Frequency: Daily. Aquarium Care. This species of knifefish needs clear and pristine water to survive. High quality filters are necessary and there needs to be away that the filters do not create to much of a current. Weekly 30 – 50% water changes should be done, depending on the bio load. These fish are very sensitive to water changes and the water should be tested often to assure that you will have a healthy fish.. Water Changes: Weekly – Do a 30 – 50% water change weekly.. Aquarium Setup. The African Knife fish will spend most of its time near the bottom, although they will occasionally swim to the surface to grab a gulp of air. A tank of around 55 gallons is large enough to keep an adult in good condition for all of its life. The African Knife fish does best in a well planted tank with hiding places among rocks and drift wood and some open area for swimming. These fish do need a good amount of unobstructed swimming room as well. Plants are best especially along the back and sides to leave some open area for swimming.. Plants with long twisted roots are best and offers hiding places for your Knife Fish. These are nocturnal fish and appreciate floating plants to break up and help subdue any light. Clay flower pots make great caves for these fish so they have a safe plac