This small (maximum length up to 20 cm) knifefish from Venezuela is only rarely imported and again we were able to obtain only a few specimens. It is a very nice and peaceful species. The genus Adontosternarchus currently comprises four accepted species which can be distinguished best by differences in the head profile in combination with the shape of the mouth.
Like all South American knifefishes, this species is weakly electrical and communicates with conspecifics via electrical impulses. Of course, these impulses are also used for orientation. Knifefishes develop most activity at dawn and so the tank should not be too much illuminated and should contain a good number of hiding places.
The fish feed basically on Tubifex and frozen fishfood. Regarding the water chemistry they seem to be undemanding. However, soft and acid water should be preferred against hard and alcaline water. The water temperature should be a little higher than usual, about 26-28°C will do best.
For our customers: the fish have code 202782 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Adontosternarchus: ancient Greek, means “Sternarchus without teeth”; Sternarchus is another genus of knifefish. clarkae: dedication name for Ms. Kate Clark, who was the first collector of the species.
Suggestion of a common name: Marbled Knifefish
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Venezuela |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 8 -10 |
