Brown Knife

Scientific Name: Apteronotus leptorhynchus
Recommended Aquarium: 50+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 6 to 10 inches
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Ease of Care: Moderate
Diet: Carnivore
Native Waters: Brazil, Peru, Guinea

As is common for most knifefish, the body is elongated without a dorsal fin and has one long anal fin that is used to propel the knifefish through the water, often in reverse as fast as forward. Using a weak electrical field to help navigate at night (and in murky water), the Brown Knife does best as the sole knifefish in the aquarium, unless introduced simultaneously. In the aquarium it will require many hiding places and will immediately claim any long caves. (Hide a PVC pipe under other rocks to make a knife-house.) This knife will eat most meaty foods, chopped worms, sinking pellets and even some flake foods, though it is initially a shy eater and will take time to adapt to aquarium feeding.

Approximate arrival size for Brown Knifefish: 3 to 4 inches