Xenomystus nigri
| Common Names: | African Knifefish Black Knifefish Brown African Knife |
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| Family: | Gymnotidae |
| Category: | OthersFW |
| Distribution: | Africa |
| Main Ecosystem: | Not Specified |
| Temperament: | Reclusive; Quite peaceful, but will eat fish small enough. |
| Diet: | Carnivore; Highly prefers live foods but will eat freeze-dried as well. |
| Care: | Care is relatively easy, but the African Knifefish will outgrow small tanks. Needs at least a 55 gallon tank. Numerous hiding places made from rocks, driftwood, and plants are greatly appreciated for this shy species. Moonlight LED lights may facilitate nighttime viewing of this fish. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 30.5cm (12") Female: 30.5cm (12") |
| Water Region: | Middle, Bottom |
| Activity: | Nocturnal; Strongly nocturnal, but can sometimes be coaxed into the light with live foods. |
| Gender: | Female is rounder at breeding time |
| Breeding: | No recorded accounts of breeding, but said to lay 150-200 eggs and have them hatch within 6-7 days. Male will guard eggs. |
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| Comments: | Its fins have a wave-like motion, which allow the fish to swim backward as well as it can forward. They make a clicking sound when netted or when threatened. |
| Main Colours: | Brown, Black |
| Markings: | No Markings |
| Mouth: | Not Specified |
| Tail: | Not Specified |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Garofoli |
| Contributors: | Garofoli, Natalie |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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