Brown Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus leptorhynchus) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 75 gallons and 73-82°F. A graceful, nocturnal knifefish that glides with its long fin and hunts at night. It has no scales, so it is sensitive to medication and salt, and it needs hiding places, dim light, and tankmates that are neither tiny nor nippy.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Apteronotus leptorhynchus |
|---|---|
| Family | Apteronotidae |
| Origin | Northern South America |
| Adult size | 10-14 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gallons |
| Temperature | 73-82°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful but will eat fish that fit its mouth |
| Social behavior | Solitary or compatible group |
| Swim level | Mid to bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: frozen bloodworms and blackworms, sinking pellets, chopped seafood |
| Typical lifespan | 10-15 years |
Quick tips
- Provide caves or pipes for daytime hiding.
- Be careful with medication and salt; it has no scales.
- Cover the tank; it can leap or wedge into gaps.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi