African Brown Knife

• Diet: Frozen, Freeze-dried
• Maximum size: 12"
• Water temperature: 72-82° F
• Swimming level: Middle
• Experience level: Advanced
• Tank Setup: 40+ gallons, lightly planted

True to their name, knifefish have a long, tapered body akin to a household knife. As juveniles, these fish swim in groups of five or more of the same species. As they mature, the school tends to loosen and can become aggressive toward other tankmates. Knifefish can share their aquarium with other large species of fish that will not nip at their fins. Be aware that they may try to eat any fish that's small enough to fit in their mouth.

You will find that your knifefish is most active at night. Because knifefish are nocturnal, they should be fed during nighttime hours with the lights turned off. Feed as much food as they will consume within five minutes. You will see your knifefish swimming in the middle or at the bottom of your aquarium. To create a beautiful environment, be sure to add some top swimmers as well. Ask a PetSmart associate to help you choose.

Aquarium
Knifefish need a very long or large aquarium that is 40 gallons or more.

Décor
Provide plenty of hiding places in the form of rockwork and roots or a hiding tube, as well as plants on the sides and back of the aquarium, leaving room in the center for swimming.

Carnivores
Instead of plants, these fish eat aquatic crustaceans, worms and aquatic insect larvae.

Staple diet
Knifefish prefer all types of live foods, including tubifex worms, earthworms, bloodworms, insects, insect larvae, small fish and brine shrimp. Feed according to the directions on the packaging. They can be trained to accept frozen and freeze-dried food.

More information
Visit our Fish Care Center to find products, care information and bright ideas to enhance your underwater world.

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