White Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus Albifrons .Var White)
The White Ghost Knifefish, also known as White Black Ghost Knifefish, is an enchanting and rare variant of the Black Ghost Knifefish. This beautiful and distinctive fish features a sleek, elongated body that is laterally compressed, with a stunning white or ivory coloration. Known for their unique electrosensory abilities, these fish use their weak electrical fields to navigate, communicate, and locate prey.
White Ghost Knifefish are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own kind and other knifefish species. They grow up to 20 inches in length and should be kept one per tank without any other knifefish. Appropriate tank mates include similarly-sized, non-aggressive species like Angelfish, Eartheaters, medium-sized Gouramis, and large Rainbowfish. These knifefish are elegant swimmers. It's essential to select tank companions that won't nip at fins or chase them, as their slow swimming pace makes it difficult for them to evade pursuit.
These fish primarily consume insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish in the wild. In an aquarium setting, they will readily accept a variety of live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish. They tend to be more active during the night, so offering them food in the evening is recommended.
Their nocturnal nature makes them sensitive to bright light. The ideal tank habitat for White Ghost Knifefish includes a dimly lit environment with ample hiding spots and dense plant cover. A sandy substrate is recommended for their delicate barbels while they forage for food. Provide them with various shady hiding spots like PVC pipes, secure rocky caves, large driftwood clusters, and dense vegetation, as they prefer retreating to these areas during the day.
A well-established filtration system, highly oxygenated water, and moderate water flow are essential for their proper care. Maintain a diligent maintenance routine with weekly water changes of 30-50% of the tank volume, and test the water conditions regularly to ensure they remain within the recommended parameters. Knifefish do not have scales, making them susceptible to injuries and infections. Therefore, installing a UV sterilizer in the tank may be wise to eliminate pathogens and safeguard against the need for using chemical treatment in their water.
One adult White Ghost Knifefish requires a minimum of 100-150 gallons. Keeping them in anything small will only make them more aggressive and potentially harm their delicate body. White Ghost Knifefish can grow up to 2 feet. Their stiff bodies cannot bend and need a wide tank front to back so they can turn around.
Maintain a pH of 6.0-7.0, a hardness between 5-12 dGH, and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C).
White Ghost Knifefish, like many other fish species, have the potential to jump out of the aquarium if given the opportunity. To minimize this risk, it is essential to have a well-fitted and secure lid or cover on the tank. This will prevent the fish from jumping out and help maintain the tank's water quality by reducing evaporation and limiting the introduction of foreign contaminants.
To learn more about this fish, be sure to check out the Additional Information tab.
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