{"product_id":"steatogenys-duidae","title":"Steatogenys duidae 10–15 cm | Duida Knifefish","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/strong\u003e, often sold as the Duida knifefish, is a fascinating South American electric fish prized by advanced aquarists for its unusual shape, graceful swimming style and nocturnal behaviour. Offered here at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10–15 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, this species is still juvenile\/subadult and will continue to develop into a larger, more substantial fish with age. It is a true conversation piece for a carefully planned aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is best suited to a mature, peaceful community or species setup with soft, clean water, subdued lighting and plenty of cover. Like many knifefish, it is primarily active after dark and spends much of the day resting in shaded areas, emerging at dusk to explore and feed. If you are looking for something genuinely different from the usual tropical fish, \u003cstrong\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/strong\u003e offers both rarity and character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe recommend this fish for aquarists with some experience keeping sensitive species and larger, more specialised setups. As with all live fish from Tropical Fish Co, your order is covered by our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, and we offer \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e to help ensure your fish arrives in excellent condition.\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\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDuida knifefish\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\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 20–25 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 litres+\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\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivorous \/ insectivore; meaty frozen and live foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–12 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottom to middle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/em\u003e is native to the Amazon basin region of South America, with records associated with the Río Orinoco and surrounding blackwater and soft-water systems in northern South America. In the wild, knifefish of this type are typically found in slow-moving rivers, flooded forest margins, tributaries and calm backwaters where leaf litter, roots and submerged wood provide shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese habitats are often dimly lit, stained by tannins and low in mineral content. The water is usually warm, soft and slightly acidic to neutral. Understanding this natural environment is the key to successful long-term care: the fish will thrive when given a calm, low-stress aquarium that mirrors these conditions as closely as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs an electric knifefish, \u003cem\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/em\u003e uses weak electrical signals to navigate and communicate, especially in low light. This makes it particularly sensitive to abrupt changes in water quality, strong currents and overly bright aquascapes. A stable, mature aquarium is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, house \u003cem\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/em\u003e in a spacious aquarium of at least \u003cstrong\u003e300 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e, with more room strongly recommended if keeping it with compatible tank mates. The tank should be long rather than tall, with open swimming space combined with shaded retreats. Soft sand or smooth fine gravel is ideal, as this species may forage close to the substrate and can be stressed by sharp décor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide plenty of driftwood, dried leaf litter, caves, PVC tubes or other secure hiding places. Dim lighting is preferred, and floating plants can help diffuse brightness while creating a more natural feel. A gentle to moderate flow is best; avoid strong currents that may exhaust the fish or disrupt its nocturnal behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater quality must be excellent. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, and maintain low nitrate through regular water changes and efficient filtration. Because this species is sensitive to sudden changes, all maintenance should be carried out gradually. A tightly fitting lid is important, as knifefish can be powerful and may jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\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 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately soft water is preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcclimation should be slow and careful. Newly imported knifefish may be shy initially, so give them time to settle with minimal disturbance and subdued lighting. A mature aquarium with stable biology will greatly improve feeding response and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/em\u003e is a carnivorous knifefish that naturally feeds on small aquatic invertebrates and other meaty prey. In captivity, it should be offered a varied diet of high-quality frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, blackworm, chopped earthworm, brine shrimp, mysis and other suitable meaty items. Some individuals may also learn to take sinking carnivore pellets or wafers, but live and frozen foods should remain the staple.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed in the evening or after lights dim, when the fish is most active. Because this species is nocturnal and may be outcompeted by faster tank mates, target feeding can be useful. Remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality. A varied diet supports colour, condition and natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid relying on flake food or low-protein general diets. This fish is not an herbivore or omnivore, and poor nutrition can lead to slow growth and reduced vitality. Juveniles may feed more readily than adults, so patience and consistency are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/em\u003e is generally peaceful and best kept with calm, non-aggressive fish that will not nip fins, compete aggressively at feeding time or disturb it during daylight hours. Suitable companions include larger tetras, peaceful dwarf cichlids from soft-water setups, Corydoras, peaceful loricariids, hatchetfish and other gentle South American species of appropriate size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this is a nocturnal, shy fish, avoid boisterous community species, fin-nippers and very active midwater fish that may cause stress. It should not be housed with predatory cichlids, aggressive catfish or species likely to view it as prey. Keep only one unless you have a very large aquarium and a clear understanding of knifefish compatibility and territorial behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen selecting tank mates, think calm, soft-water and similar water chemistry. The best communities are those that leave the knifefish undisturbed and allow it to feed after dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we understand that specialist species need specialist care. Our livestock is selected with health, quality and compatibility in mind, and we pack live fish carefully for the journey. With our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, you can order with confidence knowing your fish will be handled professionally from our facility to your door.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe also aim to provide accurate, practical care information so you can set up the right environment before your fish arrives. For a species as distinctive as \u003cem\u003eSteatogenys duidae\u003c\/em\u003e, preparation makes all the difference. If you can offer stable, soft water, a peaceful tank and a varied meaty diet, this remarkable knifefish can become a long-lived and rewarding centrepiece in a specialist aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57446834438479,"sku":"KE52","price":78.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/steatogenys-duidae-natural-aquarium-ke52.webp?v=1777850774","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/steatogenys-duidae","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}