Species profile
Black Ghost Knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons
Semi aggressive
Hard care
750 L minimum aquarium
30–50 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large nocturnal weakly electric fish requiring an unusually wide six-foot aquarium, dim shelter, stable water and excellent filtration. Its rigid body shape makes width especially important.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
Up to 18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.8
Usually peaceful with appropriately sized calm fish but territorial toward its own kind and other knifefish. Keep one per tank. Small fish, shrimp and snails may be eaten.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
750 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 75 cm
Accepted scientific name
Apteronotus albifrons
Alternative names
Black Ghost, Black Ghost Knife Fish
Native range
Northern and central South America, including Amazon and Orinoco drainage systems.
Natural habitat
Rapidly flowing creeks with sandy bottoms are documented. Provide fine substrate, large dark retreats, moderate current, high oxygen and very stable water chemistry.
Diet & feeding
Micro-predator of insect larvae and small fish. Offer quality sinking carnivore pellets plus varied frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, bloodworm, Mysis and brineshrimp.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Reliable external sexual dimorphism is poorly established; avoid confident visual sexing claims.
Breeding
Not normally bred in the home aquarium; commercial aquaculture has achieved large-scale breeding under specialised conditions.