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Reticulate KnifefishPom Pom Knifefish, African Featherfin Knifefish, Marbled KnifefishFamily: NotopteridaeWFKn_Ap4AKn.jpg) Reticulate Knifefish (albino)Papyrocranus aferLatest Reader Comment - See More I had 2 pom pom knife fish, that changed colors from gray to black, I could put my hand
In the tank and they would swim between my fingers, if I put my finger on... (more) Jonathan fesler 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!Reticulate Knifefish Contents 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: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
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.
- Scientific Name: Papyrocranus afer
- Social Grouping: Solitary
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
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.
- Maximum Size: 32.0 inches (81.28 cm) - These fish can get up to 32 inches (80 cm) and to just under 3 pounds (1320 g).
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Difficult
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
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.
- Diet Type: Carnivore
- Flake Food: No
- Tablet Pellet: No
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: All of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Daily
- Water Changes: Monthly
- Minimum Tank Size: 250 gal (946 L)
- Lighting Needs: Low - subdued lighting
- Temperature: 75.0 - 86.0° F (23.9 - 30.0° C)
- Range ph: 5.5-6.5
- Hardness Range: 4 - 12 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Weak
- Water Region: Bottom
They can be considered peaceful fish but because of the large mouth, small fish or invertebrates will most likely become dinner.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Monitor - While it is not necessarily aggressive, it will eat anything small enough to be considered a meal.
- Semi-Aggressive: (): 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 been bred in captivity.
- Ease of Propagation: Unknown
The Reticulate Knifefish is commonly available.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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