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Centipede KnifefishFamily: Hypopomidae
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This beautiful Knifefish has been available for many years but its recent popularity is due to the descriptive common name that is now being used... 'Centipede Knifefish'!What's in a name?...Centipede Knifefish? Well, combine the bands on the body with the “feet” that show up on the anal fin and you have a pattern that really does resemble a centipede. They are fairly small fish, reaching a maximum size of only 8.25 inches (21cm) and they are peaceful. Like many of the Knifefish, this fish requires good hiding places to feel secure. Unfortunately this means you may not see your fish except at feeding time. A good way around this problem is to use a clear acrylic or plastic tube as the hiding place. These fish have poor eyesight so they use electrical impulses as a sort of radar so even though the tube is clear, their radar tells them that they are in a secure place. For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see:
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| Geographic Distribution Steatogenys duidae |
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| Data provided by FishBase.org |
Distribution:
The Centipede Knifefish was described by La Monte in 1929. The are found in are found in the Amazon River and many of its tributaries in South America, specifically in Venezuela and Brazil.
Status:
The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.
Description:
The Centipede Knifefish has a flat long body, fuller and somewhat cylindrical towards the head but terminates in a thin point at the rear. It has no dorsal fin but does have an extremely long anal fin starting near the pectoral fin area. This fin can move in an undulating forward or backward motion. It is tan to light brown with irregular 'zig zag' type dark bands. True to its name when you combine the bands on the body with the “feet” that show up on the anal fin, the result is a pattern that resembles a centipede.
This fish also has an electric organ which allows it to generate a very weak electric field around its body. The 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.
Size - Weight:
The maximum size of these fish is 8.25 inches (21cm).
Care and feeding:
The Centipede Knifefish are carnivores. This is a species that prefers smaller fresh or frozen foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. They may eventually be trained to eat freeze dried foods but will most likely never eat any type of flake food.
They require good hiding places and will not do well with aggressive tank mates. The long, pointed tail just looks too appetizing to anything that’s the least bit aggressive. They are sensitive to some fish medications such as copper and those containing formalin.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
The Centipede Knifefish will usually spend their time at or near the bottom of the tank.
Acceptable Water Conditions:
Temp: 74 - 82° F (23 - 28°C)
pH 6 – 6.5
Social Behaviors:
This is a peaceful fish that will usually not bother other fish.
Sexual Differences:
Sexual differences are unknown.
Breeding/Reproduction:
It has not been bred in captivity.
Availability:
The Centipede Knifefish are commonly available.
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