Friday, December 15, 2006
Can black ghost knife fish give an electric shock?
QUESTION:Can black ghost knife fish give an electric shock?
ANSWER:
No, but black knife fish do produce an electric current.
Black Ghost Knives have a small electrode sensor near their nose to sense and smell since they have almost no use of their eyes. Black Ghost Knife fish are nocturnal and are always found looking for food at night. The sensor emits a small electric current in the water which is not felt by any other fish and will not cause any harm.
The reason the current is not felt, is that knife fish produce volts, but no amps. Even their cousin, the electric eel is capable of large voltage output, but low amps (usually around 1 amp), which is why they are not dangerous to humans, although they can stun smaller prey.

A few facts:
*Origin; Amazon and Paraguay Rivers
*Max size; 16- 20 inches
*Recommended Aquarium Size; 50 gallons (larger is even better)
*Temperature; 72- 80F
*Water Conditions; Prefers water near 7.0, but like all FW fish still needs electrolytes and calcium. VERY sensitive to poor water conditions. I recommend reading these two articles: “Aquarium Disease Prevention”
“Why Calcium and Electrolytes are important”
*Foods; Prefers live foods (bloodworms, black worms, brine shrimp)
*Tank furnishings; Ghost Knife fish need a place to hide, a clear plastic tube provides this and allows you to still see your pet (Lee’s aquarium products makes one)
*Genus: Apteronotus
*Species: albifrons
*Related fish include the Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus petersii) which have similar requirements and reach a size of approximately 10" (although from the Niger River area of West Africa)For up to date aquarium info (especially Redox and dispelling UV myths), please visit this site:
AQUARIUM AND POND INFORMATION;
Well researched and up to date aquarium and pond answers, help, and links. Based on 27 years of professional aquarium maintenance experience.
For an experienced aquatics forum:
http://groups.msn.com/EverythingAquatic/
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