Common Name: Aba Aba Knifefish
Scientific Name: Gymnarchus niloticus
Other Names: African Knifefish, Nile Knifefish
The Aba Aba Knifefish is a unique and interesting freshwater fish that is native to the rivers, lakes, and swamps of Africa. It is known for its elongated body, which is flattened from side to side, and its long, slender tail. It has a dark brown to black coloration with a silvery sheen, and its eyes are small and set high on its head.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Aba Aba Knifefish is found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lakes in the Nile basin, Chad basin, and West Africa. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and slow-moving or still water.
Size and Lifespan:
The Aba Aba Knifefish can grow up to 6 feet in length, although most individuals in the aquarium trade are much smaller. In captivity, they can live for 10-15 years or more with proper care.
Diet and Behavior:
In the wild, Aba Aba Knifefish are primarily nocturnal and feed on small fish, insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. In the aquarium, they can be fed a varied diet that includes live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small pieces of fish.
Aba Aba Knifefish are generally peaceful but may eat smaller fish that can fit in their mouths. They prefer to be kept in a dimly lit aquarium with plenty of hiding places such as rocks, caves, and driftwood.
Breeding and Reproduction:
There is very little information available about the breeding and reproduction of Aba Aba Knifefish in captivity.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
The Aba Aba Knifefish requires a large aquarium of at least 300 gallons to accommodate its size and swimming behavior. The tank should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape as these fish are known for their ability to jump out of tanks.
The water in the aquarium should be kept between 75-82°F with a pH range of 6.5-7.5 and a hardness of 5-12 dGH. The tank should be well-filtered with plenty of water flow to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Aba Aba Knifefish can be kept with larger, non-aggressive fish that are too large to fit in its mouth, such as catfish, bichirs, and other large knifefish. It is best to avoid keeping them with small fish, as they may be seen as prey.
Difficulty Level:
The Aba Aba Knifefish is not recommended for beginner aquarists due to its large size and specific care requirements. They require a large aquarium with proper filtration and water flow, and they may eat smaller fish in the tank.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-12 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm
Additional Information:
The Aba Aba knifefish is considered a prized gamefish in its native range and is often caught using hook and line. However, due to its size and aggressive nature, it is not recommended for most aquarium hobbyists. This species is also subject to overfishing in some regions, and as a result, it is considered vulnerable in the wild.
In captivity, the Aba Aba knifefish requires a large and well-filtered aquarium with ample hiding places, such as caves or PVC pipes. They are nocturnal and will spend much of the day hiding, but become active at night.
