Oddballs

Explore all oddballs in our database. Browse detailed care guides, compatibility information, and species data to find the perfect fish for your aquarium.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 Fish Profiles

Black Ghost Knifefish

Apteronotus albifrons

Oddballs

40 cm Semi-Aggressive

A fascinating nocturnal predator native to the Amazon basin. It lacks a dorsal fin and moves via a continuous undulating ventral fin, allowing it to swim backwards as easily as forwards. It generates a weak electrical field to navigate and hunt in the dark. Scaleless and highly sensitive to medications, it requires smooth hiding places (like PVC pipes or smooth driftwood). Will consume any fish small enough to fit in its surprisingly large mouth.

Clown Knifefish

Chitala ornata

Oddballs

90 cm Aggressive

A massive, nocturnal predator native to Southeast Asia, widely known for the distinct row of ocellated spots above its anal fin. While sold as small silvery cute juveniles, they grow incredibly fast into nearly 1-meter giants that require immense aquariums. They are obligate carnivores and will eat any fish small enough to fit in their large mouths. They are shy during the day and require large hiding tubes or caves.

Reedfish (Ropefish)

Erpetoichthys calabaricus

Oddballs

37 cm Mostly Peaceful

An ancient, eel-like species from West Africa closely related to Bichirs. They are famous for their snake-like appearance and gentle nature. Unlike Bichirs, Ropefish are social and prefer to be kept in groups. They are nocturnal hunters using smell to find food. WARNING: They are legendary escape artists; a tight-fitting lid without even the smallest gap is 100% mandatory.

Senegal Bichir

Polypterus senegalus

Oddballs

30 cm Semi-Aggressive

A fascinating, prehistoric-looking predatory fish often called the 'Dinosaur Eel'. They possess a modified swim bladder acting as a lung and must have access to the surface to breathe. Though peaceful with large, deep-bodied tank mates, they are strictly carnivorous and will consume any fish or invertebrate that fits in their mouths. Excellent escape artists; a heavy, tight-fitting lid is mandatory.

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Oddballs

100 cm Semi-Aggressive

A massive, prehistoric-looking surface predator native to the Amazon Basin. Known for their metallic silver scales and incredible jumping ability (used in the wild to catch insects from low-hanging branches). They grow exceptionally fast and require gigantic aquariums. They will consume any tank mate small enough to fit into their large, trapdoor-like mouths.