Fin's Fish Guide
Tube-snouted ghost knifefish
The Tube-snouted ghost knifefish (Sternarchorhynchus oxyrhynchus) is a freshwater fish of the family Apteronotidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Description
The tube-snouted ghost knifefish is a weakly electric knifefish from the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 47 cm and has an elongate body and a strikingly long, tube-like, downcurved snout with a small mouth at the tip. With it the fish picks insect larvae from crevices and soft sediment. With its long anal fin it swims smoothly forwards and backwards and, like all ghost knifefishes, generates a weak electric field for orientation in dark, turbid water. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tube-snouted ghost knifefish?
The Tube-snouted ghost knifefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Weakly electric; long tubular snout to pick larvae out of crevices
Where does the Tube-snouted ghost knifefish live?
The Tube-snouted ghost knifefish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Amazon basin
How big does the Tube-snouted ghost knifefish get?
The Tube-snouted ghost knifefish grows to a maximum of about 47 cm.
Is the Tube-snouted ghost knifefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Tube-snouted ghost knifefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Tube-snouted ghost knifefish edible?
The Tube-snouted ghost knifefish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Apteronotidae
Want the complete picture on the Tube-snouted ghost knifefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tube-snouted ghost knifefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.