Shy Black Ghost Knife Fish

[xXLeafeonXx]

Well its not too big so..

 

[ncguppy830]

regardless, procrastinating wont help its got to go either way , why not now.

 

[Paradise3]

Black Ghost Knife Fish stunt way too easily for you to be leaving it in a 75g any longer than it needs to be left in there. I'd say get rid now before it does stunt.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

The is almost nothing on wiki about fish that is accurate.
 
This from what I consider to be one of the better resources for information on fish species.
 

 
Ghost Knife Fish, Black Ghost Knife Fish, Speckled Knife Fish [ Pictures ]
Apteronotus albifrons
SYN : Sternarchus albifrons; Sternarchusmaximiliani
PD : An elongated, laterally compressed species with a log anal fin. The caudal penuncle is also long, and the caudal fin is very small. The entire fish is black, save for a white band at the caudal penuncle and another at the base of the caudal fin.
SIZE : To 19" (48 cm)
SS : None
HAB : South America; widespread throughout the Amazon and Paraguay river in Brazil, Ecuador,Guyana,Peru
S : bottom, middle
TANK : A tank measuring 40" (152 cm) with a capacity of 45-55 gallons (170-210 L) is sufficient for a medium-sized fish. A significantly larger tank is need for adult size specimen-those over12" (30 cm). Provide many hiding places among rocks, wood, pipes, and tubes. The tank should be dark, possibly with a cover of floating plants. The tank should have dense planting and a soft substrate.
WATER : pH 6-7 (6.7); 4-12 dH (7); 75-82°F (24-28°C)
SB : This timid species that is territorial and aggressive towards others of its own kind. This species can be kept with without problems with peaceful fish not large enough to swallow. Be sure to provide retreats. This species should not be kept in pairs, although several fish can be kept in a large tank.
SC : Angelfish, Discus, Eartheaters, Acaras, Gouramis, Leporinus , Anostomus, catfish
FOOD : Live; Tubifex , crustaceans, earthworms, insect larvae; chopped meat; tablets
SEX : Unknown
B : Unknown; although simulating the rainy season could serve to activate spawning.
BP : 10. There are no reports of successful spawning in captivity.
R :This species may rest lying on its side. Under favorable conditions, this fish can belong lived.
DC : 7.This species is sensitive to water pollutants, changes in water conditions, and medications. The Black Ghost Knifefish requires a diet including live foods.

from http/fish.mongabay.com/knifefish.htm
 
Dont like that info, then here is what one of the next best sites for fish info has to say
 

 

Listed tank sizes are the minimum​

Size: Up to 20" (49cm) Tank: 48 inches when small Strata: Bottom-middle PH: 6.0 to 8.0 Hardness: Soft to medium. dH range: 5.0 - 10.0 Temperature: 73°F to 82°F (23-28°C)

from http/badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile66.html

 

[Paradise3]

Why would you keep a 20 inch fish that stunts very, very easily in a 40-48in long tank?! That's cruelty in my eyes.

 

[xXLeafeonXx]

Its not my tank....

 

[ncguppy830]

Why would you keep a 20 inch fish that stunts very, very easily in a 40-48in long tank?! That's cruelty in my eyes.

well is said when its small but regardless your sorta right.

Its not my tank....

i think she was regarding towards TTAs quote from a website..

 

[Paradise3]

Its not my tank....

 
I know it's not. I was responding to that post where one quote said a 40in tank is fine for a 19in BGK and the other quote said a 48in tank is fine for 20in BGK... That's cruelty in my eyes...
 
To be completely honest, I would tell your auntie it is going to outgrow her tank and she needs to re-home it before it stunts and is in pain.

 

[xXLeafeonXx]

Okay then.
But if she says no then what can I do?

 

[Paradise3]

If she says no then she is going to stunt the fish.

 

[xXLeafeonXx]

What does that do...?

 

[Paradise3]

They are in pain constantly, they never reach full size and some deform(their back bends and such) and they die early.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Just wanted to point out that what TTA quoted, they said if the specimen is under a foot long then a 48 inch tank is fine. After that it says larger but doesn't give a specific measurement unfortunately.
I believe you should put them in a tank that can house them for life ofcourse but sometimes that is not always the case, I've heard of them being slow growers and others being, well, really fast.
 
They can definitely be shy, OP if you don't re-home it, which I think you should but hey, your aunt may not listen, try to make it as comfortable as possible.
Give it some hiding places, PVC pipes are good for this, or a piece of slate up against the glass so they can hide but you can still see them. Floating plants would help dim the tank a little bit.
 
I don't know if it matters at all, but figured I would let it be known, that this is my absolute dream fish and I will not purchase one until I have a tank that I deem large enough.
In my mind the bare minimum I would allow for myself to house one would be an 8x4x3 tank, but I'd ideally like a 10 or 12 foot tank, would like even longer than that but then I'd be getting a little too carried away for my fiance's liking. Ah dreams.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Yo Paradise- I know you can't be responding to what I posted which said:
 
"I was responding to that post where one quote said a 40in tank is fine for a 19in BGK"
 

 
SIZE : To 19" (48 cm)
 
TANK : A tank measuring 40" (152 cm) with a capacity of 45-55 gallons (170-210 L) is sufficient for a medium-sized fish. A significantly larger tank is need for adult size specimen-those over 12" (30 cm).

 
Nowhere does it suggest keeping a 19 inch fish in a 40 inch tank?
 
 
 
"the other quote said a 48in tank is fine for 20in BGK"
 

 
Listed tank sizes are the minimum
Size: Up to 20" (49cm) Tank: 48 inches when small

 
So this says the smallest size tank to keep a BKG when it is small is 48 inches. Did you click through to the site and see where it says at the top of the page "If you can meet its needs they can live for many years."
 
Perhaps you might elaborate as to whom your were referring? Surely it wasn't me or anything I posted

 

[Paradise3]

It was you because I mis-read the post. Sorry about that.