African Brown Knifefish

The African brown knifefish belongs to the same family as the clown knifefish but is much smaller (30 cm) and plainer. Its brown-gray body has no distinct pattern; it has no dorsal fin and glides by undulating the fin that runs along its belly. It can gulp air with its swim bladder and is known to make faint sounds while doing so. It hides during the day and hunts in the dark.

• At least 200 liters and 120 cm in length for a single individual.
• Hiding places with pipes, roots and dense plants; dim light.
• Soft to moderately hard water, gentle flow.
• Use a lid; it may jump when startled.

Carnivorous. Bloodworms, worms, shrimp, mysis and small pieces of fish fillet. Feed in the evening.

Shy and nocturnal. It is territorial toward its own species; it eats small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: calm, medium-sized species too big to fit in its mouth: large tetras, gouramis, angelfish, Senegal bichir, African butterflyfish.

Avoid: small fish, shrimp, aggressive and very active species, other knifefish.