{"product_id":"gymnarchus-niloticus","title":"Gymnarchus niloticus 10–15 cm | African Knifefish","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGymnarchus niloticus\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the African knifefish or aba, is one of the most unusual freshwater fish available to advanced aquarists. This species has a long, laterally compressed body, a continuous undulating fin for propulsion, and a distinctive hunting style that makes it a true showpiece in a large specialist aquarium. Offered here at \u003cstrong\u003e10–15 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is still a juvenile and will grow into a substantial predator with the right care.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is not a community fish in the usual sense. It is best suited to experienced keepers who can provide a spacious, secure aquarium with stable water conditions, subdued lighting, and carefully chosen tank mates. Like many African river fish, it appreciates clean, well-oxygenated water and plenty of room to cruise. When properly housed, it becomes an intelligent, captivating fish with unique nocturnal habits and a powerful presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we aim to supply healthy, well-conditioned livestock with a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, so your new fish arrives in the best possible condition for acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eGymnarchus niloticus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAfrican knifefish, Aba\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpert\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to around 150 cm in the wild; commonly 80–120 cm in captivity with excellent care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2,000 litres+ for long-term housing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–7.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivorous; live, frozen and prepared meaty foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–15 years or more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiddle to bottom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGymnarchus niloticus\u003c\/em\u003e is native to Africa, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, floodplains, swamps, marshes and vegetated backwaters across a broad range of freshwater systems, including the Nile basin and other West and Central African waters. In the wild it is often found in areas with dense plant cover, submerged roots and soft substrates, where it can hunt at dusk and through the night.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is famous for its specialised electric sense. It generates weak electric fields to navigate and locate prey in murky water, making it exceptionally adapted to low-visibility habitats. That same biology means it does best in an aquarium that offers calm surroundings, dimmer lighting and plenty of open swimming space without excessive clutter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause it is a large, active predator, it should be kept in a mature aquarium with excellent filtration and a lid that fits securely. It is capable of powerful movements and can be startled by sudden changes, so a stable environment is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA young fish may seem manageable at 10–15 cm, but planning for adult size is vital. This species needs a very large aquarium or indoor pond-style setup as it grows. For long-term care, think in terms of length, turning space and filtration capacity rather than just volume. A long tank with open swimming lanes is ideal, alongside robust biological filtration and regular water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a soft sand or fine gravel substrate to reduce the risk of abrasion. Add driftwood, sturdy root structures and hardy plants if desired, but leave plenty of open water. Floating plants can help diffuse light and create a more natural feel. Avoid sharp décor, tight gaps and anything that could trap the fish as it grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended water conditions are:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong, efficient and well-oxygenated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough it can tolerate a range of conditions, stability is more important than chasing exact numbers. Regular partial water changes and careful feeding are essential, as this is a messy carnivore when fed heavily. A tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable, as large knifefish can be surprisingly strong and may push at gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGymnarchus niloticus\u003c\/em\u003e is a carnivore that feeds on fish, insects and other animal matter in nature. In captivity it should be offered a varied meaty diet. Suitable foods include quality frozen foods such as prawns, mussel, white fish, lancefish and earthworms, as well as carnivore pellets or sticks if accepted. Younger fish may take smaller frozen foods more readily, while larger individuals can be trained onto bigger items.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed once daily or every other day depending on size and growth stage, offering only what is consumed promptly. Overfeeding can quickly degrade water quality. Live feeder fish are not recommended due to disease risk and poor nutritional value. A varied diet helps support healthy growth, good body condition and natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species is nocturnal and may feed more confidently after lights dim, many keepers find evening feeding works best. Observe carefully during feeding, as this fish can be shy at first and may take time to settle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a predator and should be treated accordingly. Suitable tank mates must be large, robust and too big to be swallowed. Peaceful community fish, small cichlids, tetras, barbs and catfish are generally unsuitable. It is best kept either singly or with carefully selected large companions in a very spacious aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePotential tank mates may include large, sturdy fish such as sizeable cichlids, large catfish, bichirs or other substantial species that can hold their own and are not easily intimidated. Even then, compatibility is never guaranteed, and individual temperament can vary. Plenty of space, visual breaks and multiple feeding points are important if housing with other large fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not mix with small fish, shrimp, crabs or other invertebrates, as they will almost certainly be viewed as food. Also avoid aggressive fin-nippers or hyperactive species that may stress this fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you buy live fish from Tropical Fish Co, you are choosing a specialist retailer that understands the needs of unusual and high-value species. We prioritise healthy stock, careful packing and reliable dispatch to help your fish arrive safely and settle in well. Our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e gives added peace of mind, and our \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e helps reduce transit stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe also provide clear, practical care information so you can plan the right aquarium from the start. For a species as distinctive as \u003cem\u003eGymnarchus niloticus\u003c\/em\u003e, preparation is everything. If you have the space, experience and enthusiasm for a truly remarkable African predator, this fish offers a rewarding and unforgettable keeping experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease note that this species is for advanced aquarists only and should be purchased with a suitable long-term housing plan already in place.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"10-15 cm","offer_id":57446785220943,"sku":"KC47","price":46.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"4-5 cm baby","offer_id":57560783880527,"sku":"KE72","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"15-20 cm","offer_id":57560783913295,"sku":"KK59","price":96.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"30-40 cm","offer_id":57560783946063,"sku":"KF99","price":249.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/gymnarchus-niloticus-natural-aquarium-kc47.webp?v=1777850637","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/gymnarchus-niloticus","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}