Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Aquarium Knifefish | Knifefishes > Reticulate Knifefish

Reticulate Knifefish

Pom Pom Knifefish ~ African Featherfin Knifefish ~ Marbled Knifefish Family: Notopteridae

• Puzzles
• Postcards

Reticulate Knifefish (albino) Papyrocranus afer Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Childs

  The Reticulated Knifefish undulates it's body in a waving motion, perhaps that is what led to it's being called the Pom Pom Knifefish!

   The Reticulate Knifefish, also called the Pom Pom Knifefish or African Featherfin Knifefish, is not the usual Knifefish. Most knives swim by rippling their dorsal or anal fin but this species gets around by undulating its entire body, much like an arrowana or an eel.

   Although the Reticulate knifefish is not aggressive, it still requires special attention when selecting tank mates. The mouth is large and its favorite food is live fish. Any fish small enough to fit into that cavernous mouth will quickly disappear. It is also a large fish, reaching up to to 32 inches.The fish pictured above is an albino so it does not have the normal reticulated pattern.

For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Reticulate Knifefish, also called the Pom Pom Knifefish, African Featherfin Knifefish, and Marbled Knifefish, was described by Günther in 1868. The are found in West Africa including the Niger basin and most coastal river basins from Senegal to Ghana.

Status:
   The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The body of the Reticulate Knifefish is flat and elongated with an arched back. It has a continuous fin along the underside formed by a joining of the caudal and anal fin, and has a very small dorsal fin. While most knives swim by rippling their dorsal or anal fin this species gets around by undulating its entire body, much like an arrowana or an eel. Its is dark brown to almost black with lighter mottled spotting, giving an almost marbled effect. The Reticulate Knifefish pictured above is an albino colorform.

Size - Weight:
   These fish can get up to 32 inches (80 cm) and to just under 3 pounds (1320 g).

Care and feeding:
   The Reticulate Knifefish are carnivores. Live fish are their favorite food but some can be trained to eat earthworms or bits of frozen/defrosted fish. Rarely will they eat any type of dried foods. If at first you don’t see them eating, try feeding them live fish at night with the lights turned off.
   These fish get relatively large and they should have lots of swimming space, so a 50+ gallon tank is recommended.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Reticulate Knifefish will usually swim at or near the bottom of the tank.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temp: 75 - 86° F (24 - 30°C)
   pH 6.5

Social Behaviors:
   They can be considered peaceful fish but because of the large mouth, small fish or invertebrates will most likely become dinner.

Sexual Differences:
   Sexual differences are unknown.

Breeding/Reproduction:
  It has not been bred in captivity.

Availability:
   The Reticulate Knifefish is commonly available.

Author: Ken Childs

Add your comment here!

Back to Aquarium Knifefish | Knifefishes