African Knife

Best known as the African Knife, this fish is correctly identified as Xenomystus nigri as first described by Guenther in 1868. Native to the upper regions of the Nile River, the African Knife lives in dense vegetation and is mostly a nighttime predator of small worms and insects. When a juvenile, it may form schools, but most adults live singly in their hiding places. They will not tolerate other knifefish but are generally peaceful with fish they do not consider food. The African Knife has an elongated body with one long anal fin used for propulsion. The dorsal fin is absent. The body color is a steel gray and the knife exhibits two small feelers along its upper lip. The African Knife can emit sounds by ejecting air from its swim bladder, perhaps used to startle predators. Growing to a possible 12 inches, most aquarium specimens will be 4 to 6 inches in length. Treat as a smooth skin fish when treating for parasite infestations. The African Knife will prefer meaty foods such as bloodworms and frozen brine shrimp. It may be initially a shy eater, but will adapt to your feeding habits.

Detailed information about this animal.