Black ghost knife attacked by
loaches 1/14/08
We purchased a black ghost knife 3days ago and from the very beginning the
fish swam near the surface on it's side and it seldom ventured to other parts of
the tank. The fish was approximately 4cm in length. In our tank we also have 2
clown loaches, 2 Pakistanian loaches, 1 Corydoras, 1 angelfish, 3 gouramis and a
small eel.
<One Corydoras isn't nice. Corydoras are SCHOOLING fish, which means they should
be kept in groups. Please add some more of the same species (unless you want to
accrue a lot of bad Karma from the catfish gods).>
We started noticing that the black ghost knife was being attacked by the
loaches. The clown loaches are approx 6cm and Pakistanian loaches 4cm.
The tank is 4feet in length (980 Aqua One) The tank has 2 plants and water is
changed regularly, 25% biweekly. There is a large rock with many holes to swim
through and places to hide as well as a fake pot with hiding capability. The
temp of the tank is approx 28degrees C. The tank was 34degrees C when the fish
was first put in; our thermometer was not working but I realised the temp when I
stuck my hand in. I slowly reduced the temperature using ice blocks. The pH of
the tank is approx 7.2
The bottom feeders are fed the appropriate pellets once a day and we were
feeding the others blood worms. The only other thing I have noticed in the tank
is a yellow (algae?) growing on the sides of the tanks in round circles similar
to what would be seen with bacterial growth. We put in anti-algae drops and
cleaned the tank to deal with this. I have not yet observed any re-growth.
<Don't use Anti-Algae medications; they cause major problems, not least of all
their toxicity to other organisms as well as producing nitrate spikes as all the
algae die. What you have sounds like Diatoms, a type of algae that grows most
noticeably in aquaria that are not adequately illuminated. Easily beaten by
installing strong lights and lots of fast-growing plants. Nothing else works,
other than manual scraping.>
1. do you think the ghost knife was unhealthy from the beginning judging
from it's behaviour?
<It was probably fine. But Apteronotus albifrons is NOT an easy fish, and is
extremely sensitive to poor water quality as well as medications/potions of
various types.>
2. is it normal for loaches to attack black ghost knives?
<Loaches are, with a few exceptions, NOT NICE FISH. They aren't community fish
(exceptions are Kuhli loaches, Weather loaches, and to a certain degree Clown
loaches; everything else is more or less aggressive and should be treated as
such).>
3. We would love to get another black ghost knife but not if it is doomed to die
before it's time, can you suggest any other reasons for the loss of our fish and
tips to keep one safe in future?
<Hmm... not impossible to keep, and under good conditions live many (10+) years
in captivity. But you do need to cover all the bases... these aren't like Danios
you can just add to a tank and hope for the best. They have very specific needs
in terms of food, hiding places, substrate, etc. Do read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/bgksys.htm
If you need more info, get back in touch!>
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Ali.
<We're happy to help. Good luck, Neale.>
Knife Fan Challenge, comp.
12/19/07
Thank you for your help in setting up our tanks (5, 48 and 75 gallons.) Due
to Mr. Fenner's enthusiasm, I am now a Knife fish fan. I am now wanting to set
up our final and largest, but before I did that, I wanted to double-check that
I'm not headed for disaster. And as a side comment, it is frustrating with so
much information on the web there are often conflicting opinions. For example, I
thought my African Brown Knives (not Asian) would not be compatible in a pair,
but after 6 months they co-existed peacefully, alongside one Black Ghost Knife
who is now the same size as them at 8 inches! After finding a photo on the
internet of a man holding a baby Black Ghost Knife in his hand that was born in
his tank, I want to see if my Knives will breed as well, or at least, co-exist
peacefully. I know this is an unusual undertaking, that is why I wanted to check
with you, the supreme experts, first.
If I were to get a tank of 125 gallons, then 3 African Brown Knives (24 inches
of fish) with 3 Black Ghost Knives (45 inches total) would be 69 inches of fish
(using the old rubric of one inch per gallon.) I also have had one Bala with the
knives who has been happy and health and is now 9 inches (will get 12 I read.) I
have also had 2 rubber-nose dwarf Plecos, 2 pictus Pim catfish and a Featherfin
catfish, apple mystery snails and a three-striped Corydoras. Will or can these
peacefully co-exist as the ghost knife fish become larger?
<In this size system, likely so>
So far all have been fine on a blood worm diet, weekly 50% water changes and
vacuuming and testing the water weekly. The three knife fish have done well, but
after I add the three more, and as the Black Knife fish grow larger, can I
expect them (or the Bala) to eat the dwarf Plecos, pictus, the Corydoras or the
snails?
<No. They should be fine together>
Then, if I may also ask, for the 75 gallons now that the tank is ready with
perfect water conditions, do you approve of our adoption plan:
Glass Fish, three-striped Corydoras, Round Glass Fish, Clown Plecos (4 inch
dwarves), rubber-mouthed dwarf Plecos, one male Beta, guppies, silver
hatchetfish (2.5 inches) or marble hatchetfish (1.5 inches)
and either a Featherfin catfish or Bugeye Synodontis catfish.
How does it sound?
<This mix for your 75 should work... I would go with the smaller Synodontis
species. Bob Fenner>
Black Ghost Knife fish pairs?
8/13/07
I just discovered your website, and it is wonderful!! I've found so much
info on BGKs! It has been very helpful.
<Ah, good>
I do have a quick question. My husband and I bought a BGK about a month ago
(Oscar), and he's been doing great! I had read in a fish forum about getting
more than one. Several people claimed they had a pair, and they got along great
and seemed to enjoy having another "friend" like them around.
<Mmm, the exception actually... most Apteronotids fight in small confines>
So, today we bought another BGK (Fritz). Though Oscar hasn't actually damaged
Fritz or harmed him in any way, his behavior has been aggressive towards him.
(Periodically, Oscar darts at him and chases him for short distances.) Fritz
respects Oscars space and goes the other direction, but he doesn't seem to be
overly concerned with Oscars behavior; he doesn't hide from him (he's been busy
exploring his new home); and he doesn't return the aggressive behavior. He
simply starts swimming the other way, and generally Oscar doesn't pursue him for
long.
My question is Oscar, our veteran, eventually get used to Fritz (newcomer), or
do we need to separate them now before any real damage occurs/their own health
and happiness?
<I see the pertinent info below>
Oh, they live in a 29 gallon (long) tank for now.
<This is too small a world for these two>
Oscar is a little bigger than Fritz (approx. 3-4"); Fritz is the same size Oscar
was when we bought him a month or so ago. We are cycling a 55 gallon tank before
we add any fish.
<Good>
Both of them have eaten well since Fritz arrived. Fritz acts totally normal
besides being a little more active than usual, which I'm guessing is due to his
new home. It's Oscar that all freaked out.
Thank you!!!
Kim
<I would move one of the Knives to the new tank once it's ready... and maybe try
re-acquainting them there in time. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Ghosts, Knives and something else
I have a 55Gal tank with only an 8in. Black ghost <max over 12"> and a 7in.
African black knife <max 8 to 12">. I am trying to find what other fish I can
put in the tank and how many of each would be appropriate. I used to have a
Silver Arowana but he got way too big for the tank (27in) so I had to find him a
new home. And my albino clown that I loved died after I took the Arowana out. I
have tried Nicaraguenese, Bala sharks and a Green Terror but the cichlids seem to
pick on the black ghost and the Balas are so twitchy. I am thinking about
trying another clown but it would be nice to have some fish they weren't always
hiding. The tank is pretty lonely and I don't know who would be most compatible
with the ghost. I don't want him to become fish food <Nothing that will fit in a
55 will take an 8" ghost> or make fish food out of them <Very likely, unless too
large to fit in it's mouth>.
Nicole.
<The biggest problem I see is the size of your tank. A 55 is fine for what you
have now. But you would have to add some fairly large fish to ensure they do not
become a late night snack. And if you want a few of them, the 55 shrinks in my
eyes. Clown loaches come to mind. They grow large, but slowly. Some of the
larger Cory species would also be safe. Don>
BGK tank mates
Hello,
I have a Black Ghost Knife that I've had for about 5 months, about 4 inches. He
shares a 60 gal. tank with my Pleco and 2 Platy's. I have a Fluval 404 for
filtration and maintain the water regularly. I'd like to get bigger, livelier,
compatible fish for the Pleco and BGK. I have a feeling the Platy's will
eventually be food for a larger fish. I'd love to get an Arowana but think it
will outgrow the tank too soon and eat my BGK. What about Oscars, Eels,
Catfish, Red Tail Sharks? I had a clown loach before but it was very spastic
and swam anxiously in circles and eventually died. What fish and how many can I
add to my tank that would be best fit for the BGK and Pleco?
Thank you.
Kristen
<Hello Kristen, I'm afraid for what you want to keep in your 60 will certainly
exceed the capacity of the tank when the fish get larger. Keep your BGK and
your Pleco and maybe add a red tail shark. James (Salty Dog)>
Re: BGK tank mates
Thank you James. If I only add the red tail shark, is that enough for a tank of
this size? I've heard that I should be keeping 9 fish in my tank at all times
for natural bacterial purposes. Are there any other fish you would also
recommend?
Thanks again.
<Kristen, Both the black knife and the Pleco will grow quite large so I am basing
that on future growth of the fish unless you plan on getting a larger aquarium
in the future. The main thing is to monitor your ammonia levels. When you add
a new fish, check these levels for a week or two to make sure the biological
system can handle the extra load. James (Salty Dog)>
Large Fish Compatibility
I have recently bought a striped shovelnose and a
black ghost together and the pet store said they were
compatible, which they are. they don't bother each
other. later on I bought a gold Severum and 2 clown
loaches, which the pet store said that the Severum and
clown loaches would go good with the black ghost knife
fish and the shovelnose. nothing has happened yet
because they are all pretty small. but I was telling
someone what I had in my tank and they said that I
shouldn't have listened to there advice because the
black ghost knife fish would be fish food sooner or
later. so I was wondering is that true? I do know that
the Severum is compatible with all the other fish but
I couldn't find any information on the black ghost
fish. if you can help I would much appreciate it.
thank you sincerely,
Lindsey
<Hi Lindsey, I am scared to ask what size tank you have. These are
all fish that get really large. The shovelnose can get close to 2ft,
and the Ghostknife will not be too far behind. In a large enough tank
you might be ok, I personally do not trust large catfish with smaller tank
mates, they have a tendency to eat them. You can find more on the
Ghostknife at the links below. Best Regards, Gage
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/knifefishfaqs.htm
http://www.mongabay.com/fish/knifefish.htm >
Ghost knife with cichlids
My son has had a black ghost knife fish for four years. He is about 9 inches. We,
being ignorant, were keeping him in a <gasp> 10 gal. aquarium all this
time.
<yikes that is a bit small...>
The last few months he ("Sonar") would stay out of his ghost tube most
of the time and do loops a lot. We increased his feed.
<that happens with Knifefish small tanks seem to have them get restless.>
Anyway, at Christmas I bought him a 29 gal. tank <wow> thinking that would
be wonderful. It came with an Aqua-tech 20-40 power filter. <I
know you're laughing>.
<Any filter is better than none, just have to make sure the water parameters
are okay.>
Being ignorant again, in regards to the new tank cycling. I also
bought two convict cichlids to keep him company. My thinking was they
could hold their own with him since he killed the Neons and Bala shark my son
used to have.
<be cautious with any cichlids and Knifefish, cichlids are nippy things, and
if a Knifefish should loose his anal fin (which is it's only real propulsion)
then it is done for. I try to keep my Knifefish with tankmates that I
know won't bother it.>
I used the Stress-coat and Stress-zyme. The ammonia levels got really
high.
<A fish that size is bound to put out some high amounts of waste and
ammonia>
I did have a knowledgeable man at Petco advise me on changing out the water and
doubling up on the stress-zyme. So I did that two times the first
week, about 25%.
<The stress-zyme isn't really helping the ammonia levels, it's helping the
water additives in your water. The water change is helping the
ammonia levels. So keep up on the water changes.>
I kept asking about using our filtered drinking water at fish stores
and no one seemed too concerned. We have rural chlorinated hard water
but a water softener, which is what I used for the tank. I now plan
on using the filtered for the next change out.
<many Saltwater people prefer using filtered water for their tanks, nothing
saying you can't use it. Just that it can get expensive.>
Should I still use the chemical additives?
<It's not hurting the fish any, so you can keep doing it, just only add what
is recommended on the package. Good luck with the knife. When
they get older you will have lots of fun. I have a friend that feeds
his ghost by hand.>
My main question is should I get rid of the two cichlids?
<I would, they run the risk of damaging the knife.>
Since all this I have spent a lot of time reading and learning ( a good thing)
about these guys.
<That is a very good thing. Research research research! you
will have more fun if you know what to expect.>
I think they are both males. The bigger one (they're both
about 3 in) chases the other a lot and so he hides by Sonar which is sometimes
in his tube with him. I just noticed a couple slits in Sonar's
ventral fin now and I'm feeling very guilty. Other than that they
seem to not bother him. He still does his loops and does come out to
feed when the light is on although he is spending more time in his tube again.
Also, I have learned we really didn't have a biological filter so I stuck a
trickle filter sponge in the power filter where the water flow out hoping that
will help.
<any more filtration is better than what is on there.>
I'm pretty sure I'm going to find a home for these cichlids even though I enjoy
watching them. I thought of just getting rid of the aggressive one.
<You can set up another tank for them. Cichlid tanks are extremely
rewarding. Get a male/female pair, and within 3-4 years you will no
doubt be an expert and breeding them for you LFS!>
Sonar is my biggest concern. Should I do anything else? Any
suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
<I would separate the fish, chances are high that they will pick at Sonar
when you aren't around. Give some thought into setting up a cichlid
tank, I'm sure you and the family will really enjoy them!>
Sheryl in Missouri
<good luck Sheryl. -Magnus in New York>
Black ghost Knifefish
hi, I need some advice concerning my ghost Knifefish, I've got a 5ftx3ftx2ft tank(400 litres)
I have 1 rather large
goby an Arowana 2 angels and 1 Geophagus brasiliensis a few kuhli loaches and a bristle nosed
Plec, all of
which seem to get on fine. last week I fell in love with a ghost Knifefish but since
he's been in the tank I've hardly seen him, or seen him eat
anything. the goby that I've got is very greedy and I'm worried if the Knifefish getting any food, what should
I do???? any advice would be greatly
appreciated, thanks Julie
< Your knife fish is nocturnal and will only come out a night. If you put on a red light bulb at night you will see him out an about. To make sure he is eating I would turn out the lights and then feed the tank. They can be very picky and sometimes only eat live food. I would place some live black worms in the tank after I turn out he light at least once a week. If you ever got an elephant nose then I would recommend the same thing. -Chuck>
Black Ghost Fish
Hi
<Hello>
I am setting up a tank for a ghost fish and want to know what
sort of plants are good for putting in the tank and what other fish are suitable
if any
<Tropical South American plants are my fave... ones that would, could be
found in the same habitat. Tropica has a nice website that shows some of these
biotopes... and maybe some sunken driftwood. Many medium sized characoids
(tetra) fishes will go with this Apteronotus... as well as Callichthyid
catfishes... even angels. Bob Fenner>
Cheers Shelley Molloy
Black Ghost Knife Compatibility, Disease - 10/12/05
Hi -
<Hello.>
I have a black ghost knife that was bought recently - about 5 inches long. He's in a community tank and unfortunately we forgot about the nippiness (is that a word??) of our
Serpae tetras.
<Uh-oh.... Err, *I* say 'uh-oh', but Bob (whom I'm visiting currently in HI) says there really isn't a compatibility issue here. I, personally, would be a little nervous about these two species together.>
They have bitten off the end of his tail!! RIGHT TO THE 2ND BAR!!!
<I do agree with Bob here that the Serpaes may not have been the sole contributor here - please check your water quality. Maintain ammonia and nitrite at ZERO, nitrate less than 20ppm, with water changes.>
I treated the water with this thing called MelaFix for any bacterial infection that it might get( I'm in Australia - hopefully you know what that product is!!)
<I do.... and though MelaFix (extract of the Melaleuca tree, or "tea tree") does seem to have some mild antibiotic properties, I would not rely on it alone as a medication for anything severe.... furthermore, I have seen evidence in my own fishes that it may be a little (or a lot)
irritating to the fish.>
He seems OK but I'm worried that he won't survive without the tip of his tail. Is there any thing else I can do to help him out??
<Maintain optimal water quality, and (though Bob and I disagree on the
Serpaes!) keep him separate from any fishes that might bite or nip at his wounds until he's healed. The end of the tail might not grow back in its
entirety, as well.>
Also we recently moved house (about 3 weeks ago) and obviously had to transport tank and contents. It's a 4 ft tank (180litres) so we took about 1/2 the water with us and didn't clean filters out etc the ph is 7, the nitrites are 0.1 and the ammonia 1.2. to me this is high as it is normally 0.
<Dangerously so.>
Is there any thing I can do to lower ammonia levels. I haven't done a water change since we moved.
<Water changes alone will fix this.... and it is urgent that you do.>
Thanks for your help... Tam
<Any time, Tam. Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
