and it NEVER comes out of this little cave thing. it was like 15 dollars and so pretty, but its a waste of money if it never comes out..
is it supposed to be like this?
2007-01-19 17:25:09 · 12 answers · asked by JennaL 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Thats quite usual for a black Ghost knife fish. However I suggest that you keep the lights off or dim and sprinkle the water with cleaned live tubifex. That'll bring him out and he will feed right infront of you. However, remember that Ghosts are nocturnal, secluded and solitary fish prefering to be alone. They are really interesting when they get acclimatised to the tank.
2007-01-19 23:31:58 · answer #1 · answered by steve s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fact that it is hiding so much means that it is stressed. Provide more cover with plants(live or fake) and lots of rocks, driftwood, ect. Try reducing light as well. Floating plants break up light. I hope you have at least a 200 gallon tank, otherwise it is going to be a waste of money because it won't live long.
2007-01-20 01:53:27 · answer #2 · answered by fish guy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will behave like that. They have poor eyesight and are sensitive to light, so it's trying to hide. If you have an aquarium light, turn it off, or partially block the light by putting a piece of cardboard under it. If you have a planted tank, they are more likely to come out, too.
Here's more info:
http://www.elmersaquarium.com/10knifefish.htm
DON'T get a second knife - they navigate by a mild electrical field (neither you, nor other fish in the tank can feel or be harmed by it) and having two will just confuse them.
2007-01-20 01:47:11 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could always try a different style cave, one that still offers coverage and a place to hide but has open holes for easier viewing.
2007-01-20 01:47:15 · answer #4 · answered by ljn331 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They love to hide in long circular tubes, our pet store keeps them in clear ones so they can still be seen. Get one of those and block of the cave.
2007-01-20 01:58:10 · answer #5 · answered by troxie79 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes they are most active at night but reducing the light at one end of your tank and having more plants so he will feel safer may help also feed early so he has to come out to eat they do like some live food ( sketers and such)larvie only flyers will eat u
2007-01-20 01:47:46 · answer #6 · answered by slapjack458 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try not having the tank light on so long...it is most likely shy of the light. Try to get more bushy plants that float on the top to shade the tank and see if that helps.
2007-01-20 01:32:22 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him stuffed. That should work much better. Or maybe get him a friend. That should make his hiding place crowded. I'll bet you'd be able to see one or the other. Or take out his hiding place. Give him objects that don't give him complete protection from your view.
2007-01-20 01:31:11 · answer #8 · answered by Thegustaffa 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Could you take the cave out?
2007-01-20 01:34:53 · answer #9 · answered by Yo Mum Mum 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, yeah it's normal. Try getting a small group of glass cats, they are not expensive, and will hover in a group. They are very cool! Enjoy your ghostie when you see him, maybe your light is too bright?
2007-01-20 01:31:38 · answer #10 · answered by biggdogglildoggs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋