AFRICAN BROWN KNIFE FISH

African Brown Knife Fish (Xenomystus nigri) – Sleek, Nocturnal, and Hypnotic

The African Brown Knife Fish is a sleek, scaleless oddball with a knife-like body shape and a mesmerizing swimming style powered by its long undulating ventral fin. Native to slow-moving waters across Central and West Africa, this fish adds a calm, mysterious energy to any tank with its graceful motion and curious nature.

Peaceful yet shy, this species is ideal for aquarists looking for a low-maintenance oddball that pairs well with community fish too large to be eaten. Its subtle chocolate-brown coloration, shimmering in the right light, makes it a standout in dimly lit or blackwater setups.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Xenomystus nigri

• Common Name: African Brown Knife Fish

• Adult Size: 8–12 inches

• Temperament: Peaceful, nocturnal, and shy

• Tank Size: 40+ gallons

• Water Parameters: 75–82°F | pH 6.5–7.5 | Soft to moderately hard water

• Diet: Carnivore – prefers frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and sinking carnivore pellets

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

African Brown Knives thrive in:

• Dimly lit tanks with plenty of hiding places (driftwood, rockwork, caves, and plants)

• Peaceful community setups that don't include fin-nippers or aggressive tank mates

• Soft substrate and low-flow water conditions for comfort

Compatible with:

• Peaceful mid-size fish like angelfish, gouramis, larger tetras, Corydoras, and peaceful cichlids

• Avoid tiny nano fish (which may be eaten) and aggressive fish

• Can be kept solo or in larger tanks with other non-aggressive species

Behavior:

• 🌙 Most active at night – comes out at dusk to explore and feed

• 🧠 Intelligent and observant – quickly adapts to tank routines

• 🧊 Non-electric knife species – safe for peaceful community tanks

🛒 Why Buy African Brown Knife Fish from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Knife Fish is:

• ✅ Hand-selected for health and size

• ✅ Fully acclimated and feeding well

• ✅ Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ Great for oddball collectors, community setups, or blackwater biotopes

📦 Add elegance, mystery, and smooth movement to your tank with the African Brown Knife Fish—a peaceful predator now available at RobsAquatics.com.