 |
Aba KnifeAba Aba KnifefishFamily: Gymnarchidae Gymnarchus niloticusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken ChildsLatest Reader Comment - See More LOOKING FOR ABA ABA if any one knows any store or person that has any size I'd be interested as they ship very easily because they breath fresh air, and are pretty... (more) bes Because of its large size and aggressive nature, the giant Aba Knifefish is not for the average aquarist!Aba Knife Contents The Aba Knifefish, also called the Aba Aba Knifefish, is unusual even for a knife type fish. It is one of the largest knives reaching up to 5 ½ feet long. Unlike most in this group, the fin that is used for locomotion is on its back instead of its belly. It has an electricity producing organ that runs through most of its body. Unlike the Electric Eel, this organ does not generate enough voltage to stun its prey so it is most likely used for navigation and finding food. Its large size demands a very large tank or even an indoor pond and because it can be very aggressive, it does best by itself. I know of one importer that accidentally put a large Aba in a holding tank with a large Discus and in no time at all, the Discus had a big "U" shaped chunk missing from its forehead. It appeared that this chunk had been surgically removed which shows just how sharp an Aba's teeth are. This fish can be considered dangerous because a big specimen could easily remove a careless person's finger! If after all I've just told you, you still think you are prepared to handle one of these fish, don't buy the tiny ones that still show their yolk sack because they are very weak at this size. The minimum size to buy is about 3 inches and bigger than this is better. For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see: |
 |
||||
|
Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Aba Knifefish was described by Cuvier in 1829. The are found in in the Nile, Niger, Volta, Chad, Senegal and Gambia basins and Lake Rudolf in Africa.
- Scientific Name: Gymnarchus niloticus
- Social Grouping: Solitary
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed - The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.
The Aba Aba Knifefish is unusual even for a knife type fish. It has a flat long body, fuller and somewhat cylindrical towards the head but terminates in a thin point at the rear. Unlike most in this group, the fin that is used for locomotion is on its back instead of its belly. This fin can move in an undulating forward or backward motion. The color is dark bluish black on the back and sides, with a silver to cream underbelly.
This fish has an electricity producing organ that runs through most of its body generating a very weak electric field. This field helps with a variety of things such as identifying objects in the water, gives it spatial orientation, helps it to navigate, and helps it identify food. Males use an electric 'stereotyped' communication to court females.
- Maximum Size: 66.0 inches (167.64 cm) - These fish can get up to 5 1/2 feet long (167 cm) and 40 pounds (18.5 kg).
- Aquarium Hardiness: Difficult
- Aquarist Experience Level: Expert
The Aba Knifefish are carnivores, feeding on crustaceans, insects and fish in their native environment. Although they will eat insects, shrimp, and crayfish in captivity, the easiest food to feed them is live feeder fish. They can be trained to eat chunks of dead, freshwater fish which will help to keep the food expenses lower than if you exclusively feed live feeder fish.
You'll eventually need a lot of water to house a growing Aba Knifefish. Plan on eventually needing 200 gallons or more to keep one happy and healthy. They are sensitive to some fish medications such as copper and those containing formalin.
- Diet Type: Carnivore
- Flake Food: No
- Tablet Pellet: No
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): All of Diet
- Meaty Food: All of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Daily
- Water Changes: Monthly
- Minimum Tank Size: 300 gal (1,136 L) - A very large aquarium is required to keep adult Aba knifefish. It is best left to public aquariums or expert aquarists.
- Suitable for Nano Tank: No
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Low - subdued lighting
- Temperature: 74.0 - 82.0° F (23.3 - 27.8° C)
- Range ph: 6.5-8.0
- Hardness Range: 10 - 25 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Weak
- Water Region: Bottom - The Aba Knifefish will spend most of its time on or near the bottom of the tank.
Small ones can sometimes be kept with other fish but eventually it will most likely try to kill and eat anything else put in with them. They are extremely aggressive feeders.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Large Aggressive - Predatory - Will eat smaller fish.
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Threat
- Semi-Aggressive: (): Threat
- Aggressive: (): Threat
- Large Semi-Aggressive: (): Monitor
- Large Aggressive, Predatory: (): Monitor
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters: (): Threat
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Threat - is aggressive - In the wild, this fish hunts at night for worms, crustaceans, insects and snails.
- Plants: Safe
Sexual differences are unknown.
It has not yet been bred in captivity.
- Ease of Propagation: Difficult
The Aba Knifefish are commonly available. The minimum size to buy is about 3 inches and bigger than this is better. Don't buy the tiny ones that still show their yolk sack because they are very weak at this size.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
 |
WFKn_Ap19AF_vsm.jpg)
Back to Aquarium Knifefish | Knifefishes
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 
|
|||||
|
International Index Pages |
|||||
| Join Dr. Jungle on Facebook - People Talking About Their Pets | |||||
