Field Guide

Knifefish

Knifefish are named for their elongated, blade-like bodies. New World species like the Black Ghost Knifefish navigate using weak electrical fields, while Old World species like the Clown Knife Fish rely on sight and lateral line sense instead. Browse our species guides below.

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Fish

False Tiger Knifefish

Gymnotus javari
Natural-history-style illustration of the Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons).

Black Ghost Knifefish

Apteronotus albifrons

Territorial · Advanced
Natural-history-style illustration of the Clown Knife Fish (Chitala ornata).

Clown Knife Fish

Chitala ornata

Territorial · Advanced
Natural-history-style illustration of the Brown Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus leptorhynchus).

Brown Ghost Knifefish

Apteronotus leptorhynchus

Territorial · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the Royal Knifefish (Chitala blanci).

Royal Knifefish

Chitala blanci

Territorial · Advanced
Natural-history-style illustration of the Banded Knifefish (Gymnotus carapo).

Banded Knifefish

Gymnotus carapo

Territorial · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the Glass Knifefish (Eigenmannia virescens).

Glass Knifefish

Eigenmannia virescens

Peaceful · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the African Knifefish (Xenomystus nigri).

African Knifefish

Xenomystus nigri

Semi-aggressive · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus).

Electric Eel

Electrophorus electricus

Aggressive · Advanced
Fish

Morse Knifefish

Gymnorhamphichthys hypostomus