Edit Xenomystus nigri
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Name
Scientific name
Xenomystus nigri
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Notopteridae
Common names
African Knifefish
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The African knifefish, Xenomystus nigri, is a notopterid recorded from numerous African rivers, including the Nile, Congo and Niger systems…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
300mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 38 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–28°C, pH 5.8–7.5
Hardness
1–20dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Not recorded
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Has a diffuse natural distribution covering parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Chad, Liberia, Gabon, Togo, Sudan, Benin, Sierra L…
Habitat
Said to be found most often in stiller, overgrown waters. Its sizeable natural range, various biological adaptations and ease of captive maintenance would seem…
Aquarium size
Something around 120 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm - ~205 litres in size would be big enough to house one of these for life.
Maintenance
Ideally the tank should contain some areas of dense planting. At the very least provide dim lighting and cover in some shape or form. Clay flowerpots, smooth s…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 28 °C pH: 5.8 - 7.5 Hardness: 1-20°H
Diet
Like all Notopterids X. nigri is primarily carnivorous. It readily adapts to being fed in the aquarium and will accept most meaty live and frozen. Some specime…
Behaviour and compatibility
Do not keep with any fish so small as to be regarded as food. Good tankmate choices include larger characins, medium sized peaceful cichlids, butterfly fish an…
Sexual dimorphism
Females are plumper when full of eggs. Otherwise difficult to sex.
Reproduction
Has occured in aquaria but infrequently and few details are available. The pair produce characteristic barking sounds during courtship. The male will then guar…
Notes
Originally classified in the genus Notopterus and reclassified in 1984, this is now the only described species of Xenomystus and has several interesting charac…
References
References
No references