Scientific name: Apteronotus albifrons

Common name: Black ghost

Family: Apteronotidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 40 - 50 cm (15.75 - 19.69 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Origin

Apteronotus albifrons originally comes from the Amazon Basin in South America. They are to be found in dark waters running from Venezuela right up to the rivers of Paraguay.

Food

The Black Ghost is mostly carnivorous but may accept peas in their diet. They prefer to eat foods such as bloodworms, beef hearts, brine shrimp and krill. They are not to be trusted with fish that are small enough to fit in their mouths. The Black Ghost does prefer to be fed after the lights have gone out in the aquarium as they are classed as nocturnal feeders. It is best to feed these fish twice a day so early morning and late at night should encourage them to have a healthy appetite. In time they should become tame enough to accept food from the keepers hands.

Sexing

There is no way to determine the sex of Black ghost just by looking at it. Some keepers claim that the position of the eyes can be used to sex the Black Ghost, supposedly the female has her eyes more the the front of the head but this has yet to be proven.

Breeding

Little information is known about their breeding habits in the aquarium. Successful breeding is taking place in Asia and Australia but information cannot be found about what their methods are.

Lifespan

The Black Ghost can live for approximately 10 years or more in the aquarium if they are well cared for and their water condition needs are met.

Short Description

The Black Ghost is a very shy fish. Keep plenty of plants, some floating and some ground cover, to help this fish feel more at ease. It is a good idea to keep a short section of empty pipe in the aquarium for the Black Ghost to hide in. Apteronotus albifrons is sensitive to bright light and water conditions. The Black Ghost uses a weak electrical discharge to locate its prey.

As these fish grow quite large, up to 20 inches (~ 50 cm), the aquarium should be large enough to give them swimming space. The minimum size for an adult specimen should be at least 100 gallons (~ 454 litres, 120 US gallons). They are extremely sensitive to changes in water parameters so never add them to an uncycled tank and make sure that regular water changes are performed to maintain the highest quality.