Glass Knife Fish - Eigenmannia virescens

Species name: Eigenmannia virescens

Common Names: Glass Knife Fish, Green Knife Fish

Synonyms: Cryptops humboldtii, C. lienatus, C. virescens, Eigenmannia lineata, E. humboldtii, Sternarchus virescens, Sternopygus humboldtii, S. lineatus

Family: Sternopygidae

Order: Gymnotiformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Max. size: 45 cm / 16 inches

Environment: Freshwater

Origin: South America: widely distributed east of the Andes from the Orinoco to the La Plata River basins.

Temperament: Non aggressive. Do not keep with aggressive or species that are small enough to swallow.

Company: Best kept with other non aggressive species.

Water parameters: pH 6.0-7.5, temperature 23-28°C / 73 - 82° F

Aquarium setup: This species requires a relatively large well planted aquarium. It is best to keep more then one of these fishes together in the aquarium. The Aquarium should be decorated with a lot of hiding places among rotes, rocks and plants. Floating plants should be used to dim the lighting.

Feeding: Accepts live and frozen food. Some species accepts pellets and flakes others need too be weaned before they accepts pellets and flakes.

Breeding Breeds early in the morning. Simulating the rain season may help trigger spawning if you fishes are well feed. Lay their eggs in plants. The eggs or the parents have to be removed if you want to raise the fry successfully.

Picture of Glass Knife Fish - Eigenmannia virescens. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

Eigenmannia virescens - Glass Knifefish. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

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