Reticulate knifefish - Papyrocranus afer

Scientific name: Papyrocranus afer

Common name: Reticulate knifefish

Family: Notopteridae

Usual size in fish tanks: 70 - 80 cm (27.56 - 31.5 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 5.5 - 6.5

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 30 °C (75.2 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Short description

The Reticulate knifefish (Papyrocranus afer) is a large, nocturnal African knifefish from slow, turbid rivers and floodplains of West and Central Africa. With an adult size of 70–80 cm, it is best suited to public aquaria or very large, species-focused systems. Shy by day and predatory by night, it requires dim lighting, broad open lanes for cruising, and secure lids (excellent jumper/escape artist).

Origin

Africa — widespread across western/central drainages, including the Niger basin and numerous coastal river systems with slow flow, submerged wood, marginal vegetation, and soft, acidic water.

Food and feeding

A strict carnivore. Offer substantial meaty foods such as prawns/shrimp, fish fillet, mussel, earthworms, and quality carnivore strips. Most specimens can be trained to take thawed frozen foods using tongs; start feeding at dusk when they are most confident. Avoid feeder fish (disease/parasites and poor nutrition). Feed moderate portions 3–5× weekly to prevent water fouling.

Sexing

No reliable external differences reported; mature females may appear fuller. Sexing usually requires behavioral or internal examination.

Breeding

No confirmed home-aquarium breedings. As with other large notopterids, reproduction likely involves seasonal cues (water level/temperature changes) and expansive space. Captive spawning, if it occurs, is usually at public aquaria or research facilities.

Lifespan

Typically 10–15 years with excellent water quality and appropriate diet.

Behavior & compatibility

P. afer is territorial and predatory, especially toward conspecifics and smaller tankmates that can be swallowed. Best kept alone or with large, robust, non-nippy fish that occupy different zones and are too big to be considered prey. Avoid aggressive fin-nippers and fast, boisterous species that will stress or outcompete it at feeding.

Tank requirements

• Tank size: very large footprint; realistically 800–1,500 L (210–400 gal) for a single adult with long swimming runs.
• Scape: open water lanes plus secure tubes/caves (PVC/ceramic logs) and submerged wood for daytime retreat; smooth décor to protect skin.
• Water: soft, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), temperature 24–30 °C; low to moderate flow with high oxygenation.
• Filtration: oversized bio-mechanical filtration; low nitrate via regular, substantial water changes.
• Lighting: dim; dusk/dawn schedule or floating plants to reduce stress and encourage natural foraging.
• Cover: tight-fitting lid; block gaps around cables/pipes—knifefish are adept escapees.

Care notes

Acclimate slowly and offer food on tongs near the chosen shelter at lights-down. Maintain excellent hygiene—this species is sensitive to poor water quality and sudden parameter swings. Handle with care; the long, delicate body is prone to net damage (use large, soft slings or tubs rather than mesh nets).

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.