Knifefish - Carapo

Gymnotus carapo is distributed from Guatemala to Argentina, inhabiting virtually every slow-moving freshwater habitat type across this enormous range. Each individual has a unique banding pattern of alternating light and dark oblique bars. It generates pulse-type electric organ discharges at low repetition rates for navigation and prey detection. It is one of the most studied gymnotiforms due to its abundance and tractability in research contexts. In aquaria it requires hiding tubes, nocturnal feeding schedules, and clean warm water. Adults can be aggressive, particularly in confined spaces with conspecifics. Tolerates a wider pH and hardness range than more specialist knifefish.

Water: 22-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard; adaptable to a wider range than most knifefish. Tank: Minimum 200L; PVC tubes or hollow driftwood; fine sand; avoid bright lighting. Feeding: Carnivore; live/frozen bloodworms, earthworms, brine shrimp, chopped shellfish; nocturnal. Breeding: Egg-layer; deposits eggs in submerged vegetation; paternal care documented; rarely bred in captivity. Compatibility: Aggressive toward conspecifics; generally peaceful with dissimilar robust fish.