Can Black Ghost Knifefish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

Black Ghost Knifefish is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Black Ghost Knifefish may occasionally assert dominance over Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Black Ghost Knifefish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Black Ghost Knifefish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Black Ghost Knifefish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Black Ghost Knifefish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 540 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Soil / Nutrient Rich. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Black Ghost Knifefish requires Sand (Sifters), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Black Ghost Knifefish requires Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Black Ghost Knifefish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).