African Knifefish
African Knifefish is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that needs a tank of at least 40 gallons (151 L), water at 72-82°F (22-28°C) and a pH of 6-8.
Also searched as: african knife, xenomystus nigri
Quick facts
Smaller knife fish (8-12"). Nocturnal. Eats small fish and inverts.
| Minimum tank | 40 gallons (151 L) |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| pH | 6-8 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Swim level | Bottom |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Tank type | Freshwater |
Good tank mates
Ranked by water overlap and temperament, using the same checks as the MyAquaLog compatibility tool.
- Plecostomusmin tank 30 gal
Temperature overlap 72-82°F, pH overlap 6.5-7.5. Semi-aggressive species may stress peaceful fish.
- Siamese Algae Eatermin tank 30 gal
Temperature overlap 75-79°F, pH overlap 6-8. Semi-aggressive species may stress peaceful fish.
- Corydoras Catfishmin tank 10 gal
Temperature overlap 72-78°F, pH overlap 6-7.5. Semi-aggressive species may stress peaceful fish.
- Dwarf Gouramimin tank 10 gal
Temperature overlap 72-82°F, pH overlap 6-7.5. Both species may compete; monitor for aggression.
- Harlequin Rasboramin tank 10 gal
Temperature overlap 72-80°F, pH overlap 6-7.5. Semi-aggressive species may stress peaceful fish.
- Otocinclusmin tank 10 gal
Temperature overlap 72-79°F, pH overlap 6-7.5. Semi-aggressive species may stress peaceful fish.
- Rummy Nose Tetramin tank 10 gal
Temperature overlap 75-81°F, pH overlap 6-7. Semi-aggressive species may stress peaceful fish.
- Betta Fishmin tank 5 gal
Temperature overlap 76-82°F, pH overlap 6.5-7.5. Both species may compete; monitor for aggression.
Avoid with
Pairings that fail the temperament, water-overlap or known-conflict checks.
High risk of conflict between semi-aggressive and aggressive species.
Oscar Fishmin tank 55 galGreen Terrormin tank 50 galRainbow Sharkmin tank 50 galChinese Algae Eatermin tank 30 galConvict Cichlidmin tank 30 gal
Check your own tank
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