Fin's Fish Guide
The African knifefish (Xenomystus nigri) is a freshwater fish of the family Notopteridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving, densely vegetated and often oxygen-poor forest and swamp water.
Description
The African knifefish is a knife-shaped fish of the family Notopteridae (featherbacks) reaching about 30 cm. The strongly compressed, rearward-tapering body lacks a dorsal fin but has a very long anal fin that runs unbroken into the pointed tail; with it the fish swims forward and backward in undulating movements. It can gulp air to tolerate oxygen-poor water and sometimes makes a soft barking sound. The species comes from West and Central Africa and lives in slow, densely vegetated forest and swamp water. At night it searches among plants and roots for insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans. For its unusual shape it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African knifefish?
The African knifefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Knife-shaped fish without a dorsal fin, with a very long anal fin that merges into the tail; breathes air and can make soft sounds.
Where does the African knifefish live?
The African knifefish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving, densely vegetated and often oxygen-poor forest and swamp water.
How big does the African knifefish get?
The African knifefish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the African knifefish dangerous to humans?
No, the African knifefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African knifefish edible?
The African knifefish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Notopteridae
Want the complete picture on the African knifefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African knifefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.