Knifefish Care Sheet
Various (Chitala, Xenomystus)
Nocturnal predatory fish with a unique, blade-shaped body. Knifefish use weak electrical fields to navigate and hunt in the dark. Fascinating but for experienced keepers.
75–82°F
6–7
100 gallons
10–15 years
8–20 inches (20–50 cm) depending on species
1 (territorial with their own kind; some exceptions)
Very difficult in captivity. Rarely attempted in home aquariums.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivore — frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, live foods, meaty pellets. Can be trained to accept pellets with patience.
Natural Habitat
Native to rivers in Southeast Asia and Africa. Nocturnal hunters found in murky, slow-moving water with plenty of cover.
Care Tips
Strictly nocturnal — provide caves and dim lighting
Will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth
Clown knives grow to 20+ inches — need 150+ gallon tanks
Use weak electrical fields for navigation — sensitive to stray current
Black ghost knifefish are the most popular and best for home aquariums