Carapo Banded Knifefish

Aquarium Fish Sale offers this nicely patterned and rare knifefish once every few months. Do not get alarmed when the banded knifefish is seen unmoving on the bottom of the tank. These knifefish tend to sleep on their sides like cows in a pasture during the day. But come evening, these are very active in the aquarium and make a beautiful sight with their zebra-striped, elongated body. Like other knife fish, the banded knifefish, or zebra knifefish, uses electrolocation to hunt for prey along the bed of the aquarium. Wild knife fish prefer live black worms but will accept frozen. Only fish small enough to fit in their mouth pose a problem.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them hiding places like large tubes or caves, dim lighting, strong filtration and a tight lid. They are most active at night.

Feeding: Feed meaty foods like frozen shrimp and bloodworms, plus sinking carnivore pellets once they learn to take them.

Tankmates: Banded knifefish will eat small fish and may fight with other knifefish. Keep them with robust fish too large to swallow.

Good to know: Knifefish sense their surroundings with a weak electric field, which helps them hunt in the dark.