Black ghost

The Black Ghost Knifefish is a fascinating and graceful freshwater fish native to the Amazon Basin in South America. It gets its name from its solid black, ghostly appearance and smooth, gliding movements, which resemble that of a ghost in the water. It is a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts due to its unique electric sense, unusual shape, and intelligent behavior.

🔍 Appearance:

• Color: Deep black body with a white band on the tail and a small white blaze on the nose.

• Body Shape: Long, laterally compressed (knife-like) with an elongated anal fin running along the underside.

• Size: Grows up to 45–50 cm (18–20 inches) in captivity, sometimes larger in the wild.

• Fins: Lacks a dorsal fin; the long undulating anal fin is used for its smooth, hovering movement.

• Eyes: Small, not heavily relied on for navigation.

🌊 Habitat & Behavior:

• Natural Habitat: Slow-moving rivers and streams in the Amazon Basin, often in shaded, murky waters.

• Activity: Nocturnal – most active at night.

• Behavior: Peaceful but can be territorial with its own kind.

• Navigation: Uses electric fields (electrolocation) to find food and navigate in dark environments.

• Personality: Intelligent, can recognize owners, and often becomes interactive over time.

🍽️ Diet:

• Carnivorous: Prefers live or frozen foods such as:

  • Bloodworms

  • Brine shrimp

  • Blackworms

  • Small pieces of fish or shrimp

• Can adapt to high-quality sinking pellets with time.

🛠️ Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: Minimum 300 liters (75 gallons); larger for adult fish.

• Water Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)

• pH Range: 6.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Lighting: Dim or subdued, as it dislikes bright light.

• Tank Setup: Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, caves, PVC tubes, or plants.

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel to protect its delicate skin.

• Filtration: Strong filtration needed, but avoid strong currents.

⚠️ Care Tips:

• Best kept alone or with peaceful tankmates that are too large to be eaten.

• Not ideal for community tanks with small or fin-nipping fish.

• Needs excellent water quality and regular maintenance.

• Sensitive to copper-based medications.

• Cover the tank well – they can jump out if startled.