African featherfin knifefish
Papyrocranus afer
Also known as Reticulated knifefish, Marbled knifefish afer, Gold spotted knifefish
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- Adult size
- 31.5 in
- 80 cm
- Minimum tank
- 159 gal
- 600 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Notopteridae
- Origin
- West African rivers
Overview
The African featherfin knifefish is a large, nocturnal predator, really a fish for public aquaria or very large species systems. It suits only experienced keepers.
Did you know
The African featherfin knifefish's genus name, Papyrocranus, means paper skull. It refers to the unusually thin, papery bones of its head.
Caring for the African featherfin knifefish
Plan on a tank of at least 159 gal (600 L) for an African featherfin knifefish, and far more for an adult. It is shy and cruises at night, so give it dim light, driftwood, twisted roots, areas of shade and long open lanes.
It is an accomplished escape artist, so fit a tightly sealed lid. Use strong filtration, gentle water movement and high oxygen to handle its waste. Keep the water soft and warm, at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Space and shade matter most.
Feed meaty foods such as prawn, mussel, fish fillet and earthworms. Keep one to a tank, since it is territorial toward its own kind and other knifefish.
It is not aggressive toward tank mates it cannot swallow, but it will eat any fish small enough to fit its mouth. Give it only large, calm companions, or none at all. Its breeding is not documented in home aquaria.
Good to know
Papyrocranus afer is a featherback in the family Notopteridae and one of Africa's largest knifefishes. It swims with the long, undulating anal fin that runs the length of its underside, the family trademark.
In the wild
The African featherfin knifefish lives in slow, often turbid rivers and floodplains of tropical West Africa. It shelters under cover through the day.
Common questions
What size tank does an African featherfin knifefish need?
An African featherfin knifefish needs at least 159 gal (600 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does an African featherfin knifefish need?
An African featherfin knifefish is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.
What does an African featherfin knifefish eat?
An African featherfin knifefish eats meaty foods, such as prawn, mussel, fish fillet and earthworms. It will also eat any fish small enough to fit its mouth.
How big does an African featherfin knifefish get?
An adult African featherfin knifefish reaches about 31.5 in (80 cm).
Related species
13.8 in (35 cm)119 gal (450 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Congo featherfin knifefish
Papyrocranus congoensis
13.8 in (35 cm) · 119 gal (450 L)
39.4 in (100 cm)317 gal (1,200 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Royal knifefish
Chitala blanci
39.4 in (100 cm) · 317 gal (1,200 L)
31.5 in (80 cm)125 gal (475 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)Clown knifefish
Chitala ornata
31.5 in (80 cm) · 125 gal (475 L)
13.8 in (35 cm)79 gal (300 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Bronze featherback
Notopterus notopterus
13.8 in (35 cm) · 79 gal (300 L)
11.8 in (30 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)African knifefish
Xenomystus nigri
11.8 in (30 cm) · 53 gal (200 L)
31.5 in (80 cm)660 gal (2,500 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Biara
Rhaphiodon vulpinus
31.5 in (80 cm) · 660 gal (2,500 L)