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Black ghost knifefish originate from the dark rivers of South America, such as the Amazon Basin shown here.

admin    July 31, 2019   CATEGORY: Fish Facts

Black Ghost Knifefish: Smooth, Suave, and Sneaky

Fascinating doesn’t even begin to describe the black ghost knifefish, one of the most unique fish out there. And considering the thousands of different breeds and their traits, that’s saying a whole lot!

Characterized by its long, sleek body and lack of scales, the black ghost knifefish is perfectly camouflaged in the wild and is ready to protect itself when necessary. Word of caution: Because it is such a unique fish, it’s more ideal for experienced hobbyists.

Facts about the Black Ghost Knifefish

  1. A black ghost knifefish has no scales and can grow to almost 2 feet long.It has no scales. While that is not common, the black ghost knifefish is not alone in this trait. Other fish that don’t have scales include eels, catfish, sharks, rays, sturgeons, blennies, and lampreys.
  2. Similar to an eel, it is an electric fish that uses an electric organ and receptors to find food.
  3. It is a freshwater tropical fish.
  4. Typically, the fish is all black except for two white rings on its tail and a white speck or stripe on its nose.
  5. It can grow to almost 2 feet long, so it will need a large fish tank, preferably at least 150 gallons.
  6. Watching it swim is quite a sight. It uses a fin under its body to move, making it look like a flag waving in the wind.
  7. The temperature in a black ghost knifefish’s tank should be 73 to 80 degrees, and the pH level of the tank should be 6.5 to 7.0.
  8. You can buy a small one for less than $20.
  9. It’s on the shy side, so it likes to hide in gravel and within plants.
  10. It prefers meaty foods like earthworms and shrimp.
  11. An adult black ghost knifefish has a very large mouth. With that mouth, it can eat other fish whole.
  12. Black ghost knifefish originate from the dark rivers of South America, and in the wild, they are nocturnal. Because they’re so hard to spot, they’re associated with urban legends. … What urban legends, you ask? Well, let’s just say Jaws has nothing on them.
  13. It doesn’t really get along with other black ghost knifefish, and it could eat small fish of other breeds. Having other fish in the tank may also interfere with the signals it needs to survive. Additionally, some other types of fish might bully the shy knifefish. For all these reasons, it really should live alone.

Starting a Black Ghost Knifefish Aquarium

If you’re planning on obtaining one of these spectacular fish, you’ll need to take special care of the tank and watch what you place into it. Our professional aquarium installation and maintenance team can help you create the right home for this unique fish.

Contact us through our website or by phone at (602) 628-7270 for aquarium installation or more information about how to care for a black ghost knifefish.

TAGS: aquarium, Black Ghost Knifefish, freshwater fish, Knife Fish,

Tropical fish can be either saltwater fish or freshwater fish. They are often vibrantly colored and tend to prefer slightly warmer water in the fish tank.

admin    July 21, 2019   CATEGORY: Fish Facts

Tropical Fish: What Defines Them and Which Breeds are Popular for Aquariums

For those new to owning an aquarium, the concept of tropical fish may need to be explored. On the surface, the phrase may seem obvious, but there are still some basic facts new hobbyists may not realize.

What are Tropical Fish?

The Coral Beauty Angelfish is one of the most popular fish for saltwater aquariums.Tropical fish are defined as any number of fish found in aquatic tropical environments around the world, with tropical describing the area of the Earth that surrounds the equator. There are thousands of species of tropical fish.

Many new hobbyists may confuse them for saltwater fish, but that’s not the case at all. Tropical fish can be saltwater fish or freshwater fish. However, many are coral reef fish, which may explain their vibrant colors. Their bright colors and intriguing patterns make them popular among fish tank owners.

Many also tend to be on the small side, so as long as they have room to swim freely, you don’t need an oversized aquarium to give them a good home. The best news is that many breeds are strong, so as long as you properly maintain the tank, they should be easy to care for as well.

Tropical Aquariums

If you are planning to create a tropical aquarium, there are a few things you should know.

For one, tropical fish and similar livestock may be accustomed to warmer water than other types of fish. In fact, the aquarium should include a heater to keep the livestock comfortable. The ideal temperature to maintain in tropical fish tanks is 75 to 80 degrees.

The fish also may be more comfortable with plants and live rock in the aquarium with them.

Some of the most popular fish for tropical aquariums include:

  • Angelfish: Relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, there are several breeds of angelfish with varying temperaments.
  • Barbs: Lively, strong, and colorful, they’re best kept in schools.
  • Bettas: Best known for their long, extravagant fins, bettas only grow to about 2 inches and can live alone.
  • Butterflyfish: There are more than 100 species of butterflyfish, including lemon butterflyfish and raccoon butterflyfish.
  • Dwarf Gouramis: They are peaceful and shy, and they need to be near the surface of the water in order to breathe air.Several breeds of catfish are popular for tropical aquariums.
  • Guppies: Guppies are one of the most common pets for freshwater tropical aquariums.
  • Tetras: Tetras are peaceful fish, but ideally you should have six or more.
  • Rainbow Sharks: Sharks are wonderful additions to a tropical aquarium, and it’s fun to tell people you have a shark at home.
  • Several breeds of Catfish: Catfish provide a unique look in an aquarium, and the fact that many are algae eaters means they can help keep that fish tank clean.
  • Cichlids: Cichlids can be somewhat aggressive, so you will want to keep them separated from other fish. But they sure are pretty.
  • Mollies: Mollies can be found in freshwater and brackish water, and they require a larger tank.
  • Tropical Discus: Known as the kings of the aquarium, the flat, round shape of a discus fish adds an intriguing appeal to your fish tank.

Contact Seatech Aquariums for fish tank installation in the greater Phoenix area, as well as additional information or facts about tropical fish.

 

 

TAGS: Tropical Aquarium, Tropical Fish,