Although less well known than the popular Black Ghost Knifefish, the Brown Ghost is a similarly unique species of knifefish found throughout much of the Amazon basin. A hardy species, they feed on insect larvae, crustaceans, and small fish in the wild but in the aquarium usually take to frozen foods very quickly. They are usually found in areas of slow water movement and in warm, acidic water. Although they can be territorial towards each other in the aquarium, it is possible to keep them in small groups as long as ample cover is provided.
Brown Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus eschmeyeri)
Origin:Â Wild Colombia
Locale:Â Rio Orinoco basin
Diet:Â Invertebrates and small fish. It can be weaned onto frozen foods in the aquarium.
Adult Size: 12″+
Recommended Tank Size:Â 90 gallon
Compatibility:Â Peaceful with fish too large to be eaten
Preferred Water Parameters
pH:                         6.2 – 7.2
Temp:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 76-82F
Ammonia:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 0ppm
Nitrite:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 0ppm
Nitrate:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â <30ppm