African Knifefish Care Guide
Xenomystus nigri
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
16000
AggressiveModerateFreshwater
- Max Size
- 25.0 cm / 10.0"
- Temperature
- 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH Range
- 6.0 – 7.5
- Min Tank Size
- 125L (33 gal)
- Min Group Size
- Can be kept alone
- Tank Level
- Bottom
- Origin
- Africa
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Difficult
Diet
Carnivorous. Accepts live and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish.
Community Compatibility
Peaceful community fish that are not too small to be considered prey. Avoid aggressive or overly territorial tankmates.
Good to Know
Knifefish are usually kept alone due to their aggression.
Gender Differences
Minimal sexual dimorphism. Males may be slightly slimmer than females.
Stock African Knifefish in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if African Knifefish fits your aquarium