Congo featherfin knifefish

Papyrocranus congoensis

Also known as Congo knifefish, Congo tiger knife

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.0
Adult size: 13.8 in (35 cm)
Minimum tank: 119 gal (450 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Tankmates: Tankmates with caution
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Difficult
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Congo basin
Family: Notopteridae

Overview

The Congo featherfin knifefish is the smaller of the two African featherbacks, reaching around 35 centimeters, which makes it a fish for large tanks rather than the enormous systems its West African cousin demands. Keep one per tank, as it will not tolerate other knifefish and can be pushy toward slow or small tankmates. It is a night-active predator that ignores fish too big to eat but takes anything small enough to swallow, so choose only sizable, calm companions. Give it dim light, driftwood, roots, and shaded cover, with a secure lid. Feed meaty frozen foods such as bloodworm, mysis, prawn, and fish pieces. Plan on a tank of about 450 liters or more.

In the wild

This knifefish keeps to shaded, slow stretches of the Congo River basin, hiding under wood and among roots by day. Set up a large, dimly lit tank with driftwood, tangled roots, and quiet water, backed by strong filtration and good oxygen. The water should be soft and warm, about 24 to 28 C, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. It is a plain, retiring fish that values cover and calm over bright, busy surroundings.

Good to know

Papyrocranus congoensis is a featherback in the family Notopteridae, reaching about 35 centimeters, the smaller and plainer of the two Papyrocranus species. Like its relatives it moves on a long anal fin that ripples along the underside. It is a rare, mostly brown fish in the trade. Aquarium spawning has not been documented.

Did you know

The genus Papyrocranus holds just two species, and they split the continent between them: this one in the Congo basin, and the larger reticulated knifefish across the rivers of West Africa.