Apteronotus albifrons (Black Ghost knifefish)

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Long, laterally compressed fish with no dorsal fin, a very small caudal fin, but a large anal fin that is used for swimming. Body colouration is primarily black to dark grey with a white band running from the mouth across the back. There are a series of white bands around the base of the tail.

Fish information (behaviour and breeding):

Placid but potentially predatory fish that should be either kept alone or with docile tankmates such as acara and silver dollars. Do not mix with anything aggressive, nippy, or overtly territorial.

Needs a good water current, moderate temperature, and plenty of oxygen. Extremely sensitive to stagnant or poor quality water conditions.

An electric fish. Intolerant of conspecifics and other electric fish (such as mormyrids). Doesn't like bright light.

Feeding can be tricky; live invertebrates such as bloodworms and small earthworms are preferred, but once settled a variety of frozen foods are accepted as well as catfish pellets. Not particularly piscivorous, but may eat very small (neon-sized) tankmates.