Tropical Fish Profiles

Black Ghost Knife Fish (Apteronotus albifrons)

In the aquarium, Black Ghost Knife Fish are known for their flowing movement and their unique body shape. They are similar to a graceful, rippling black curtain as they swim through an aquarium. You might also notice that their eyes are very beady, and they do not resemble "normal" tropical fish eyeballs. This is due to the fact that Black Ghost Knife Fish have a difficult time seeing. In fact, Black Ghost Knife Fish have developed electrical organs that allow them to send out electric pulses to navigate through water. Aquarists should avoid placing other fish species that use similar electric navigation and Black Ghost Knifes together because their electrical pulses will interfere with each other confusing themselves in the aquarium. But after the Black Ghost Knife is accustomed to his tank, it can develop a strong relationship with its owners. Black Ghost Knife Fish owners are known to hand feed their Black Ghost Knife Fish beefheart. Additionally, owners are able to pet and stroke the fish, and the fish will actually run through its owner's hands. A real interspecies relationship!