Black Ghost Knife Fish (Apteronotus albifrons)
- Low stock - 4 items left
- Inventory on the way
- Live Arrival Guarantee
- All our live fish, shrimp, snails are care with love and passion, when through minimum of 14 days quarantined and shipped from Splashy Fish facility in Springfield, Virginia, USA
This is only apply to live fish order.
What is Our Live Arrival Guarantee?
Benefit from our extensive experience in shipping live fish. In 2021, our records indicated a mere 0.5% dead-on-arrival (DOA) rate for all live fish orders, compared to the industry standard of 1.5%. These numbers translate to only 5 out of 1000 orders experiencing DOA fish.
At Splashy Fish, customer satisfaction is our priority. That's why we provide a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee on all animals shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Please note - Splashy Fish reserves the right to void Live Arrival Guarantee protection under the following circumstances:
- The customer has chosen USPS First Class Mail as a shipping method.
- The shipping address is a PO Box address
- The order was refused delivery by the customer.
- If the order is returned to the sender for any reason. For instance, an incorrect shipping address, an undeliverable address, etc.
- The order was held for pick up at USPS, UPS, and FedEx offices for longer than 24 hours after the last update on the tracking number.
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not include all the requirements mentioned below
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim is made after the claim period mentioned below.
- The animals are not in their original packaging
Live Arrival Guarantee Claim Period:
For Live Fish and other invertebrates, one and a half hours (1.5 hours) after the posted delivery time.
For Snails: 48 hours after the posted delivery time.
Steps to claim Splashy Fish's Live Arrival Guarantee:
- Take a picture of the shipping box and the shipping label.
- For live fish and other invertebrates: Please provide two pictures of each bag (containing the dead fish) upon arrival. Ensure the images display the bag in its original, unopened condition with the original rubber band intact
- For Snails: Position the snail in one corner of the tank. If the snail does not move within 48 hours, please take several pictures of the snail's opening
- Send an email to DOA@splashyfishstore.com with the subject line: DOA and Your Order Number, or message us on social media.
- In the body of the email, include your tracking number.
- The claim must be sent within the claim period mentioned above.
After submitting the required information, please allow us 1-3 business days to determine the cause of the issue. If the claim is valid and approved by our team, you will
- Receive a store credit for future purchases, excluding the shipping cost, of the dead-on-arrival fish
If the Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not meet all listed requirements, Splashy Fish reserves the right to reject it.
Shipping live animals and plants is a complex process, and temperature plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and secure delivery of your order.
If the highest daytime temperature in your location and the lowest nighttime temperature here in Springfield, Virginia—where our facility is situated—fall below 40°F or exceed 90°F, we will proactively delay your order. This measure is taken to prioritize the well-being of the animals and plants.
For the safety of our living cargo and to protect your investment, we retain the right to suspend shipping as necessary due to extreme weather conditions. Our Splashy Fish team will assess the situation and determine if it is unsuitable to ship, considering the safety of the animals.
To stay informed or address any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our dedicated Splashy Fish Support team via email at support@splashyfishstore.com.
Once our team prints and packs your order, we'll notify you via email. This notification will include your tracking number and the expected arrival day. If you opt for UPS 2 Day shipping, your package should arrive within 2 days after shipment. Similarly, if you choose UPS 1 Day, your order will reach you the day after it is shipped. In the case of orders containing only plants or dry goods, they may be shipped via USPS, provided that this is the selected shipping option during checkout.
We ship all of the customer orders from our warehouse located in Springfield, VA. We pack and ship our orders depending on the orders with the exception of someday we cannot ship out live fish.
All Orders: will be shipped out from Monday to Thursday each week for overnight shipping by UPS.
Sunday: (Splashy Day) Today is the day we let our hard-working team members and our fish to destress and ready for the following week's shipment.
For more information regarding about shipping please visit us our Shipping Policy and Schedule
Introduce a touch of mystery and elegance to your aquarium with the Black Ghost Knife Fish (Apteronotus albifrons), one of the most iconic and fascinating species in the aquarium hobby. Known by many names, such as black ghost, black ghost fish, ghost fish, knife fish, black ghost knifefish, and ghost knife fish, this species is admired for its undulating, ribbon-like swimming and captivating, jet-black appearance accented by striking white markings on the tail and nose.
Native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of South America, the black ghost knife fish is an electric fish using a weak electrical field for navigation and communication in murky waters. Their sleek, elongated bodies and unique swimming style, powered by a continuous fin running along the underside, make them a true standout in any aquarium. Highly intelligent and often described as personable, black ghost knife fish can even recognize their keepers over time.
Black ghost knifefish can reach impressive sizes, typically growing to 14–20 inches (35–50 cm) in home aquariums. Their deep black coloration is contrasted by crisp white bands on the tail and a white blaze on the nose, creating a visually stunning effect as they glide gracefully through the water. Their laterally compressed bodies and lack of visible dorsal or pelvic fins give them a truly “ghostly” profile, perfect for those seeking an exotic showpiece.
Ghost knife fish are nocturnal and somewhat shy by nature, preferring to hide during the day and become more active at night. They are generally peaceful with other non-aggressive, similarly sized tankmates, but smaller fish may be at risk of predation. Provide plenty of hiding spots, such as PVC pipes, driftwood, or caves, to help them feel secure. While black ghost knifefish can sometimes be kept together, ensure there is ample space and visual barriers to prevent territorial disputes.
Suitable tankmates include peaceful Cichlids, large Tetras, Catfish, Angelfish, and other robust community fish. Avoid keeping with small, delicate, or fin-nipping species.
At our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Black Ghost Knife Fish for sale and other freshwater fish for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for more betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH:
- Mesmerizing, ribbon-like swimming with graceful undulations
- Jet-black body with bold white tail and nose markings
- Can grow up to 20 inches, which is an impressive centerpiece for large tanks
- Peaceful, intelligent, and capable of recognizing their owners
- Ideal for large, well-aquascaped community aquariums
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for an adult black ghost knife fish
- Temperature: 73°–82°F (23°–28°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: 5–19 dGH
- Filtration: Efficient, with gentle flow and excellent oxygenation
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Carnivorous. Feed a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, shrimp, and small pieces of fish. Train to accept prepared foods for ease of care.
- Tank Setup: Provide numerous hiding places using caves, PVC pipes, driftwood, and dense plants. Use subdued lighting and a soft, sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
- Water Quality: Maintain pristine water with regular water changes and stable parameters. Black ghost knife fish are sensitive to poor water quality and sudden changes.
- Behavior: Mostly nocturnal. Observe with red or blue “moon” lighting for the best nighttime viewing.
Black Ghost Knife Fish Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Black Ghost Knife Fish aggressive?
Black Ghost Knife Fish are generally not aggressive and are considered peaceful for their size. They can coexist with other large, non-aggressive tankmates such as peaceful cichlids, catfish, and large tetras. However, they may show territorial behavior towards their own kind or eat much smaller fish if given the chance. Providing plenty of hiding spots and adequate tank space helps reduce any potential aggression.
What is the biggest size of Black Ghost Knife Fish in an aquarium tank?
In a spacious, well-maintained aquarium, Black Ghost Knife Fish can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length. Most individuals reach between 14 and 20 inches as adults, making them one of the larger and more impressive freshwater knifefish species kept in home aquariums.
How long can Black Ghost Knife Fish live in an aquarium tank?
Black Ghost Knife Fish can live for up to 15 years or more in a well-maintained aquarium tank. With proper care, including a spacious tank, stable water quality, a nutritious diet, and plenty of hiding places, these fascinating knifefish often thrive for 10–15 years and sometimes even longer. Providing a healthy environment is key to maximizing their lifespan and enjoying their unique beauty for many years.
