Marbled Knifefish

Common name(s) Marbled Knifefish, Reticulate knifefish, Arowana knifefish

© Sean Evans

Scientific name Papyrocranus afer

Synonyms

Size Up to 32" (80cm), but unlikely to achieve this in aquaria.

Origin West Africa

Tank setup A large tank (4ft for a young specimen, they are slow-growing) with a gentle circulation. Subdued lighting, this species can be shy. Preferably a sand substrate with smooth decor such as rounded stones and bogwood.

Compatibility Predatory, and can be aggressive.

Temperature 24-30^oC (75-86^oF)

Water chemistry Not critical, but fairly soft with pH slightly acidic to neutral ideal.

Feeding Live/frozen meaty foods, such as mussel, whitebait, prawns, earthworms.

Sexing Unknown

Breeding Not bred in aquaria.

Comments Suitable companions could include large catfish and Polypterus.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Marbled Knifefish, Reticulate knifefish, Arowana knifefish	`© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Papyrocranus afer
Synonyms
Size	Up to 32" (80cm), but unlikely to achieve this in aquaria.
Origin	West Africa
Tank setup	A large tank (4ft for a young specimen, they are slow-growing) with a gentle circulation. Subdued lighting, this species can be shy. Preferably a sand substrate with smooth decor such as rounded stones and bogwood.
Compatibility	Predatory, and can be aggressive.
Temperature	24-30^oC (75-86^oF)
Water chemistry	Not critical, but fairly soft with pH slightly acidic to neutral ideal.
Feeding	Live/frozen meaty foods, such as mussel, whitebait, prawns, earthworms.
Sexing	Unknown
Breeding	Not bred in aquaria.
Comments	Suitable companions could include large catfish and Polypterus.