Congo Knifefish

About

Found threading through the swamps and slow river channels of the Congo basin, Papyrocranus congoensis is a notopterid knifefish with an unmistakably ancient silhouette. A long, laterally compressed body that tapers toward a tiny tail, with a continuous rippling fin running along the underline. It belongs to the same family as the better-known African knifefish and shares that group's distinctly prehistoric character. One of its most interesting biological traits is obligate air-breathing: like some other fish from low-oxygen tropical environments, it must regularly visit the surface to gulp air, and a tank with a sealed lid and no surface access would quickly prove fatal. Its range centers on the Cuvette Centrale of the Congo basin, with populations also noted in the Ubangi drainage and possibly the lower Congo. Despite the carnivore label and moderately large adult size, this species is generally considered manageable for fishkeepers with some experience housing mid-sized predatory fish. It will appreciate a spacious, well-decorated tank with subdued lighting and plenty of cover. Feeding typically involves meaty foods such as worms, shrimp, and small fish. A long-lived fish for its size, it can become a genuine centerpiece animal over its many years in a well-maintained setup.