Edit Gymnarchus niloticus
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Name
Scientific name
Gymnarchus niloticus
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Gymnarchidae
Common names
Aba Aba
Photograph credits
Not recorded
Summary
The aba aba, Gymnarchus niloticus, is a large predatory fish from much of the northern half of Africa, and the only species in its genus. A…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
1650mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 360 cm, Minimum depth 120 cm, Minimum height 180 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–28°C, pH 6.5–8
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Gambia
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Has a huge natural range, being present throughout much of the northern half of Africa. It's been recorded in Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, Nig…
Habitat
It inhabits slow-moving streams and densely vegetated swamps and marshes.
Aquarium size
Speaking hypothetically, a truly huge aquarium would be required to house a fully grown adult fish, something in the region of 360 ∗ 120 ∗ 180 cm - ~7776 litre…
Maintenance
Prefers a dimly lit tank with areas of dense planting, large pieces of driftwood and twisted roots for cover. Any decor must obviously be weighted down securel…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 28 °C pH: 6.5-8.0 Hardness: 10-25°H
Diet
G. niloticus is carnivorous, and in nature feeds primarily on other fish and aquatic invertebrates. Captive specimens readily accept most meaty live and frozen…
Behaviour and compatibility
As unsuitable for the community tank, as it is for the hobbyist. It is highly predatory, extremely aggressive and territorial. It also possesses a mouth full o…
Sexual dimorphism
Unknown.
Reproduction
Unsurprisingly, captive spawning has not occured. In nature, it migrates into flooded areas during the wet season and breeds amongst aquatic vegetation in area…
Notes
G. niloticus is the only species in its genus and is utterly unique. Unlike other knifefish it has an extended dorsal rather than anal fin giving rise to the a…
References
References
No references