African Knifefish

Gymnarchus niloticus is the only member of the family Gymnarchidae, native to the Nile, Niger, Volta, and Chad basins of Africa. Unlike South American knifefishes it has a dorsal fin but no anal or caudal fin, propelling itself with dorsal fin undulations in either direction. It generates a wave-type electric organ discharge used for electrolocation and prey detection. It is a large, powerful predator reaching over 150cm in nature, and requires vast, well-oxygenated aquaria with a very secure lid. It is highly aggressive toward conspecifics and must be kept alone.

Water: 24-30°C, pH 6.5-7.5, soft to moderately hard; well-oxygenated; surface access required. Tank: Minimum 2000L for adult; open swimming space; large caves; extremely secure lid as it can jump. Feeding: Carnivore; whole fish, large prawns, earthworms; train onto large sinking carnivore pellets. Breeding: Builds floating nest of plant material; male guards eggs; not bred in home aquaria. Compatibility: Solo only; extremely aggressive toward conspecifics and predatory toward all smaller fish.