Tiger Macana Knifefish

One of the rare knifefish occasionally caught in Peru is the Tiger Macana Knifefish, or simply the tiger knifefish. The pattern is a tiger stripe, and the fish has a very elegant, elongated body that will grow to about 16 inches. Knifefish will eat worms, frozen foods, and small live foods and generally eat at night. Sometimes, during the day, these fish will sleep on their sides like some kind of tired farm animal, but they are very active in the evening. These fish will eat very small fish such as small neon tetras, but in general get along with most other species.

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: They will eat very small fish but get along with most fish too large to swallow. Avoid keeping two knifefish together, since they may fight.

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