CheckMyFishTankBlack Ghost Knifefish care
Apteronotus albifrons · Freshwater · Advanced level care
A shy, black, nocturnal fish with a gliding swimming style.
Feeding
Twice a day. A few pellets or a couple of frozen items per fish that are gone in a few minutes. Frozen bloodworms, earthworms, pellets, brine shrimp.
Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Black Ghost Knifefish in a 300 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Neon Tetra: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
- Cardinal Tetra: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Cardinal Tetra.
- Green Neon Tetra: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Green Neon Tetra.
- Black Neon Tetra: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Black Neon Tetra.
- Ember Tetra: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Ember Tetra.
- Lemon Tetra: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
- Glowlight Tetra: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Glowlight Tetra.
- Black Skirt Tetra: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Black Ghost Knifefish need?
At least 150 gallons. Adults grow to about 18 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Black Ghost Knifefish like?
73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Black Ghost Knifefish should I keep together?
Keep only one. Black Ghost Knifefish fight their own kind.
What do Black Ghost Knifefish eat?
Frozen bloodworms, earthworms, pellets, brine shrimp. Feed twice a day: a few pellets or a couple of frozen items per fish that are gone in a few minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.