TankBud

Barred knifefish

Steatogenys elegans

Also known as Elegant knifefish, Centipede knifefish

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH
5.5–7.2
Adult size
9.8 in (25 cm)
Minimum tank
66 gal (250 L)
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
Tankmates with caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Amazon and Orinoco lowlands
Family
Hypopomidae

Overview

This is a mid-sized electric knifefish that is calm toward unrelated fish but should be kept singly, since it defends space against its own kind and similar knifefish. It hides among roots and cover through the day and comes out to hover and hunt after dark, navigating by a weak electric field rather than sight. Keep it in a dim, soft-water tank with plenty of shelter, and choose tankmates with caution: peaceful mid-water fish too large to be eaten are safest, while small fish may be taken at night. Feed meaty foods once the lights are low: frozen bloodworm, blackworm, chopped prawn, and sinking pellets. Allow at least 250 litres with lots of hiding places.

In the wild

It lives in warm, soft, dimly lit lowland waters of the Amazon and Orinoco, drifting among submerged roots, leaf litter, and marginal plants. Recreate that with warm water of 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, a soft, acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.2, tannin-stained water, gentle flow, and dense cover of wood and roots to shelter in by day.

Good to know

It belongs to the bluntnose knifefish family, Hypopomidae, and reaches about 25 cm, finely barred along a tapering, bladeless body. Like its relatives it produces a weak electric discharge for navigation and communication, but it also carries an accessory electric organ in its chin, unusual among knifefishes. It has not been recorded spawning in captivity.

Did you know

Most knifefish carry their electric organ along the tail. This one has an extra one tucked under its chin, a cluster of specialised tissue that adds to the weak field it uses to feel its way through dark water.

Common questions

What size tank does a Barred knifefish need?

A Barred knifefish needs at least 66 gal (250 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Barred knifefish need?

Barred knifefish are comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.2.

How big do Barred knifefish get?

An adult Barred knifefish reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Advanced fish · Bottom dwellers

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