Apteronotus Albifrons

[Snooks1!]

While at my Really Not so LFS I saw these guys and fell in love...So when I came home I started doing some research, with very conflicting results regarding these fish...


All accounts stated that they were agressive to smaller fish; and only should be housed with large peaceful fish or others of their kind. I've also read that they should be housed by them selves, and not with other electric fish.(I.E. One of their own kind ) I've read very vague housing requirements, anywhere from a minimum of 20 gal, 30gal, and 50gal...Also that they can get anywhere from 8inchs upwards of 2 feet. Though most places agreed that with time they can become very tame, up to the point where they take food from your hand.


I would really like to have one, (or maybe more ) of these fish, though I'm thoroughly confused about what size tank I would need to successfully keep these fella's. If some-one could better inform me, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[Davo86]

Black Ghosts will eat anything that can fit into their mouths, and should be kept with medium sized fish that aren't too aggressive, I would say that they can get to around 20" but usually peak at less. You will be looking at a tank of at least 75G for a fully grown specimen, but IMO juveniles can easily be kept in a 40G for a time.
They are best kept 1 per tank as they can show aggression towards their own kind,

 

[DarkEntity]

As mentioned think about possible adult size so 20" is something about rite for full grown specimen, thus look for a tank larger in depth for the long run, they are predatory and will eat anything that looks small enough, mostly nocturnal, cool as hell...but need to have peaceful tank mates, and not over greedy ones as these guys may not be as outgoing at feeding time as say a group of Rainbow fish.

 

[Snooks1!]

40gal just for a juvi? That's disheartening....



how quick do they grow? And aboot how long do they live?

 

[DarkEntity]

40gal just for a juvi? That's disheartening....



how quick do they grow? And aboot how long do they live?

If you cant get a 40gall for a Juvi, dont bother getting one, as you are looking at 100+ gall for an adult!

 

[Snooks1!]

40gal just for a juvi? That's disheartening....



how quick do they grow? And aboot how long do they live?

If you cant get a 40gall for a Juvi, dont bother getting one, as you are looking at 100+ gall for an adult!

That's what I was afraid of...Darn, I really wanted one of these guys...But I have no room/money to set up a 100gal.

 

[Snooks1!]

So, what would be the minimum that just one full grown BGK could be kept in? If it truly is 100+ gals, then I'll just have to wait...

I have found a 55gal tank with a 60 to 110 gallon aquaclear filter,dual feed adjustable air pump,heater,auto fish feeder,and loads of other accessories for 200$ brand spanking new. Also found a 75gal for 300$ with less extras, but it is a few miles closer ( not by very much though ), used for a few months, then packed away.

Would either of these be good? or no?

55gal

75gal

 

[TwoTankAmin]

They will also need a cave to shelter in. They have poor eyesite and their low level electrical sense is for finding prey, so you can use a clear pvc tube for them which allows you to see them even when they are inside.

 

[Snooks1!]

Yes....




Would either a 55 or 75 gal be suitable for one to grow into or not is the main question at hand now though....

 

[Davo86]

dimensions would be more important to know, if the 75 is 2 foot wide then it should be fine for a considerable time if not for the whole of the fishs life.

 

[Snooks1!]

I asked the person about the dimensions , yet to get back to me about it. When he does I'll let you know.