Woodthorpe Hall Aquatics Black Ghost Knifefish

The Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons) is increasingly favoured by aquarium enthusiasts for its unique and striking appearance. Despite its beauty, it requires careful management due to its size, distinctive needs, and susceptibility to diseases, making it more suitable for experienced aquarists. These fish are relatively active, mostly keeping to themselves while foraging near the substrate.

It's generally advisable to keep Black Ghost Knifefish alone in aquariums due to their territorial nature. If housed with others, a large tank with multiple hiding spots is necessary to minimize aggression. Each fish should have enough space to establish its own territory. Although they are usually peaceful towards larger fish species, they can show territorial aggression towards their own kind and other Knifefish, necessitating vigilant monitoring of their interactions.

Compatibility

When choosing tankmates for Black Ghost Knifefish, opt for species of similar temperament and size to avoid predation. Compatible companions include Geophagus Cichlids, medium-sized Gouramis, Angelfish, peaceful Barbs, and large Rainbowfish. Avoid aggressive or boisterous species, as well as snails or shrimps, which may be seen as prey. A minimum tank size of 450 litres is recommended for a single Black Ghost Knifefish to accommodate their growth and well-being. Larger tanks are necessary for multiple fish to prevent territorial aggression, with an additional 300-400 litres per additional fish advised. Mimicking their natural habitat with features like plants, rocks, driftwood, and caves is beneficial, providing hiding spots and food sources. Soft sand or fine gravel substrate is essential while maintaining proper filtration, water flow, oxygenation, and regular maintenance ensures optimal tank conditions.

Diet

The Black Ghost Knifefish is a carnivorous species with a strong preference for live food sources, crucial for their growth phase. In their natural habitat, they consume smaller fish, insects, and invertebrates suited to their large mouths. Plant matter is not part of their diet, highlighting the need for a carnivorous diet in captivity. Live foods like bloodworms, shrimp, feeder fish, and insect larvae, supplemented occasionally with freeze-dried options, are recommended. Providing daily feedings of protein-rich foods is advisable. Including a staple carnivorous pellet fish food in their diet, administered up to twice daily, ensures a balanced nutritional intake essential for their health and well-being.

Origin and Environment

Black Ghost Knifefish are indigenous to the Paraná and Paraguay River Basins, encompassing several South American countries, including Paraguay, Argentina, Venezuela, and Brazil. These remarkable fish thrive in their natural habitats, which consist of fast-moving waters within tropical climates. They primarily inhabit creeks with sandy bottoms, where the water flow is relatively swift. It is within these environments that the Black Ghost Knifefish demonstrate their unique characteristics and behaviours. It is noteworthy to mention that the name "Black Ghost Knifefish" is derived from the cultural beliefs of South American natives. According to their folklore, these fish are believed to embody the spirits of the departed, lending a mystical quality to their intriguing designation.

Payment Methods

We accept all major Credit and Debit cards, and these are processed via a third party payment gateway called Opayo. 

We also accept payments via PayPal, PayPal credit, Clearpay and Klarna which are both pay in 4 interest-free instalments. 

Also, you can pay using Android and Apple Pay if you are using a compatible device. 

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Security

When speaking to one of our team, we will never ask you for your bank details, passwords or any private information. We will only ever ask for your order number followed by either your postcode, email address or phone number to verify we are talking to the person named on the account. 

When creating an account on our website, we ask that you use a unique password, this will help keep all your online accounts safe. If you are visiting our website via a smartphone we suggest you use the strong password and store it securely on your phone. 

Our website is run on Visual Soft, which means all your data is stored securely on their servers. 

Next Day Shipping cut off is at Noon/12:00pm

Orders after that time will be processed the next working day

Please Note: Certain ponds, aquariums, all pond plants, and all livestock are excluded from free delivery.

The blue highlighted area on the map below is where we deliver on our own vehicle. Unfortunately, if you are not in one of these postcode zones we are unable to deliver certain items such as plants, small glass items and selective other products.

We offer a few different delivery options depending on the size and value of your order.

Certain orders over £50 qualify for free mainland UK (excludes Northern Ireland, Pond Plants, and livestock) delivery which will arrive within 3-5 working days of the order being processed.

Orders Below £50 in Mainland UK will be charged a standard delivery fee of £5.99.

Pond Plant and Tropical/Marine/Pond Livestock will be charged a delivery fee of £19.99.

Additional Shipping Charges

For any orders that do not include Aquariums, the below is charged:

Next Working Day Parcel Delivery to Mainland UK - £7.99 OR £2.99 if the order is over £50 (excludes Northern Ireland)

Standard Parcel Delivery to Northern Ireland £8.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Scottish Highlands & Islands £9.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Jersey & Guernsey £12.99

For all Aquarium, Medium - Extra Large Terrarium/Vivarium/Paludarium deliveries (Excluding biOrbs & Smaller Aquariums), the below is charged:

You must be present for delivery and please check your item before signing for delivery.

A payment link will be sent to you if redelivery is required.

Next Working Day Pallet Delivery - £20

2 Hour Booking Slot Pallet Delivery - £20

Pallet Delivery to Northern Ireland - £45

Saturday and OptiClear 90 & 120 Delivery - £60

Pallet Delivery to Isle of Wight (PO30 and Above) and Scottish Highlands (AB, PH, IV1-36, IV, KW1-14, KY, PA21-41) - £45

Pallet Delivery to the Scottish Isles (KA27-28, PA60-90, ZE, JE, GY, IM, IV40-56, KW15-17, PH42-44, PA20, PA42-49) - £120

Pallet Delivery to Outer Hebrides (HS) - £140

Pond's over 1000 litres will be a curb side pallet delivery.

Aquariums over 125 litre will be a curb side pallet delivery.

The couriers we use are Royal Mail, DX, APC, and UPN.

Standard Delivery

Northern Ireland Standard Delivery

Next Day Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Livestock Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Plant Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Standard Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Next Day Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Northern Ireland Curb Side Pallet Delivery