Edit Papyrocranus afer
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Name
Scientific name
Papyrocranus afer
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Notopteridae
Common names
Arowana Knifefish, Reticulate Knifefish, Marbled Knifefish
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
The arowana knifefish, Papyrocranus afer, is a notopterid knifefish widespread over much of western and central Africa, from Senegal to Sud…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
800mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 210 cm, Minimum depth 90 cm, Minimum height 90 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5
Hardness
5–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gambia
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Widespread over much of western and central Africa. It's been recorded from Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, Benin, Ghana, Ivory …
Habitat
It's usually found in heavily vegetated, slow moving parts of rivers and sluggish backwaters.
Aquarium size
210 ∗ 90 ∗ 90 cm - ~1701 litres for a fully grown specimen. Juveniles can be grown on in smaller aquaria.
Maintenance
A dimly lit tank with areas of dense planting, pieces of driftwood and twisted roots is ideal for this species. Water movement should be minimal.
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 28 °C pH: 6.5-7.5 Hardness: 5-15 dH
Diet
This species is primarily carnivorous and will accept most meaty live and frozen foods. Some specimens will also accept pelleted varieties. We suggest a varied…
Behaviour and compatibility
An aggressive species that should only be kept with very robust species. It can be kept in a group when young, but as it matures it becomes increasingly territ…
Sexual dimorphism
Unknown.
Reproduction
Not reported in captivity.
Notes
Like other members of the family Notopteridae this species differs from Gymnotiform knifefish in that its anal and caudal fins are fused together into one long…
References
References
No references