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Elegant Knifefish

Barred Knifefish ~ Tiger Knifefish Family: Hypopomidae

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Steatogenys elegans Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Childs

   Being often confused with its close cousin the Centipede Knifefish, if you are able to obtain an Elegant Knifefish it may very well be at a bargain price!

   The Elegant Knifefish, also known as the Barred Knifefish or Tiger Knifefish, is a less common than its close relative of the Centipede Knifefish. Though quite similar in appearance it is a bit larger, reaching about 11 1/2 inches in length. Many times the Elegant Knifefish will be imported and sold as the Centipede Knifefish which is not necessarily a bad thing. Even though they are less common, since they are being sold as Centipede Knifefish, their price remains reasonable.

   Like the Centipede Knifefish and many of the other Knifefish, this fish requires good hiding places to feel secure. Unfortunately this means you may not see your fish except at feeding time. A good way around this problem is to use a clear acrylic or plastic tube as the hiding place. These fish have poor eyesight so they use electrical impulses as a sort of radar so even though the tube is clear, their radar tells them that they are in a secure place.

For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

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Distribution:
   The Elegant Knifefish was described by Steindachner in 1880. The are found in South America throughout the Amazon River Basin.

Status:
   The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The Elegant Knifefish has a flat long body, fuller and somewhat bulkierl towards the head but terminates in a thin point at the rear. It has no dorsal fin but does have an extremely long anal fin starting near the pectoral fin area. This fin can move in an undulating forward or backward motion. It is tan to light brown with irregular 'zig zag' type dark bands. It is tan to light brown with dark irregular bands broadly spaced along the entire length of the body.
   This fish also has an electric organ which allows it to generate a very weak electric field around its body. The field helps with a variety of things such as identifying objects in the water, gives it spatial orientation, helps it to navigate, and helps it identify food. Males use an electric 'stereotyped' communication to court females.

Size - Weight:
   The maximum size of these fish is about 11.5 inches (29.4 cm).

Care and feeding:
   The Elegant Knifefish are carnivores. They should be fed live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp or other smaller sized foods. Freeze dried foods will sometimes be accepted. The use of a clear plastic tube is a good way to give them a hiding place which will make them feel secure but will also allow you to be able to view your pet.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   This species will most likely spend most of its time on or near to bottom.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temp: 71 - 78° F (22 - 26° C)
   pH  6 – 6.5

Social Behaviors:
   The Elegant Knifefish are generally peaceful and can be housed with small to medium non-aggressive fish. They require good hiding places and will not do well with aggressive tank mates. The long, pointed tail just looks too appetizing to anything that’s the least bit aggressive.

Sexual Differences:
   Sexual differences are unknown.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   It has not been bred in captivity.

Availability:
   The Elegant Knifefish are only occasionally available.

Author: Ken Childs

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