Marbled Knifefish

Photo © Sean Evans
Common name:	Marbled Knifefish, Reticulate knifefish, Arowana knifefish
Scientific name:	Papyrocranus afer
Synonyms:	(none)
Size:	Up to 32" (80cm), but unlikely to achieve this in aquaria.
Origin:	West Africa
Tank setup:	A large tank (4ft/122cm for a young specimen, they are slow-growing) with a gentle circulation. Subdued lighting, this species can be shy. Preferably a sand substrate with smooth decor such as rounded stones and bogwood.
Compatibility:	Predatory, and can be aggressive.
Temperature:	24-30oC (75-86oF)
Water chemistry:	Not critical, but fairly soft with pH slightly acidic to neutral ideal.
Feeding:	Live/frozen meaty foods, such as mussel, whitebait, prawns, earthworms.
Sexing:	Unknown
Breeding:	Not bred in aquaria.
Comments:	Suitable companions could include large Synodontis catfish and Polypterus (bichirs).