Black ghost knife fish?

Question

What is the minium aquarium size for this fish. I really like odd fish but right now I dont have enough money to buy a aquarium ove 20 gallons. I am getting this aquarium for my room and I want something weird.

Answer 1

A 55 gallon would be the minimum for this guy. They get long and need some space to be comfortable. You want weird for a 20 gallon? Check into ctenopoma. Not easy to keep but very unusual and fun fish.

MM

Answer 2

These are cool fish.
Please note that these fish are very sensitive to poor water conditions including electrolyte balances (sodium, calcium, magnesium, ECT.)

I generally recommend a 60 gallon for these fish (many prefer larger); however I have kept many for my clients in 60 gallon Amazon River type aquatic environments with fish such as discus and Festivums.
Your 20 may work for a while but I would consider a larger tank as soon as you can afford one.

Here is an article that has some information about Black Ghosts including the "electrical abilities":
http://aquarium-answers.blogspot.com/2006/12/can-black-ghost-knife-fish-give.html

Answer 3

BGK's, as others have said, grows up to be a big beastie so isn't suitable for a 20 gallon.

There are plenty of other oddballs that stay smaller that you could consider, just bare in mind a lot of them aren't general community fish, may be sensitive to water conditions, be expensive to be buy, hard to find, or have special feeding requirements.

You consider an African Butterfly fish, just bare in mind they grow to 3", love to jump, completely top dwelling, and are a threat to any fish smaller than them.

Or Khuli Loaches, grow to 5" long but very skinny, like to be in groups, and have a sandy substrate to burrow and snuffle in. They're peaceful community fish.

There are lots of Killifish species you could consider, and lots of collectors and breeders of them so i'm sure theres lots of websites dedicated to them. Some of these have a minimum tank size of 20 gallons.

You could have a species tank dedicated to Neolamprologus shelldweller cichlids. You need hard water for these guys, and lots of empty shells and a sandy substrate is preferred. There are a few different types, all fairly small. Although they don't really LOOK weird, there is something fascinating about watching them rearrange and defend their precious shells!

Answer 4

I've attached a link below with photos, specifications as well as owners comments about the Ghost knife fish. Take a look.
It can grow up to 20 inches.
But if you keep a youngster in the 20 gallon for a few years, hopefully when he outgrows the tank you will then be able to purchase a larger aquarium for him.
The first owners comment on the page does say that he would not recommend this fish for beginners.

Answer 5

he will be o.k. in there for truly a at the same time as. If he continues to be exceedingly small, then he can very last in there for likely over a year, relying on how briskly he grows. yet in all easily, fish do not strengthen that quick, so that you've a at the same time as. yet you should get a higher tank once you may. And always do study on an animal earlier you purchase it so that you do not finally end up in situations like this. in case you actually won't be able to get a higher tank, see if somebody else may take it, like a community puppy save or a buddy.

Answer 6

The minimum sized tank for a ghost knife fish is 125 gallons. A 20 gallon will be suitable for a very young BGK, but not for very long, and unless you will be buying a 125 gallon in the very near future, it would not be a good idea to get one.

If you like odd fish, how about clown killifish?

Answer 7

That sounds like it would be OK for a black ghost knife for a little while but it might out grow that by just a little. But because of their nocturnal nature (unless you put clear plastic PVC for it to "hide" in) you won't see much of your cool knife. Some other "weird" ones worth looking into are:

rope fish or bichir
http://www.whozoo.org/Anlife99/eduardo/Bichir4.htm

mudskippers
http://www.vexen.co.uk/holyshit/mudskipper.html

Dwarf Puffers
http://www.dwarfpuffers.com/

Dragon Goby
http://www.thefishworld.co.uk/id184.htm

have fun and be sure you are ready for the requirements of the weird ones. They don't show up everywhere in the hobby for no reason!

Answer 8

These fish can get rather large, and need at least a 55 gallon setup (IMO - the larger the better). They are also carnivorous, so you have to be very careful what other kinds of fish you put in with them, as they will rapidly make lunch out of their tankmates.

Answer 9

I saw one in a 10 gal. and he was like 3inchs with little fish

Answer 10

Here's some reference material: