Ossa Knifefish (Sternopygus ossa) - Live Fish

⚡ Ossa Knifefish (Sternopygus ossa)
A Rare Predator With an Electric Edge.

The Ossa Knifefish is a sleek, torpedo-shaped powerhouse that glides through the water like a shadow. Native to deep South American river systems, this species is lesser known than its Black Ghost cousins but every bit as mesmerizing — with bold movement, electric sensing abilities, and a commanding presence.

🔹 Quick Overview:

• Common Name: Ossa Knifefish

• Scientific Name: Sternopygus ossa

• Origin: Amazon & Orinoco River Basins

• Size: Up to 18–24 inches (45–60 cm)

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, predatory

• Lifespan: 8–12 years with excellent care

• Activity: Mostly nocturnal or crepuscular (dawn/dusk active)

🏡 Ideal Habitat & Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: 100 gallons minimum

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Environment Needs:

  • Low lighting or floating plants

  • Driftwood, rock caves, or PVC pipes for hiding

  • Soft substrate preferred

  • Quiet tankmates or kept alone — may prey on small fish

  • Excellent filtration & oxygenation

🍽️ Diet:
Strictly carnivorous:

• Frozen/thawed foods like shrimp, krill, bloodworms, silversides

• Live earthworms or feeder fish (optional — be cautious of disease)

• High-protein sinking carnivore pellets can be accepted

• Best fed during low-light periods

🐣 Breeding Info:

• Extremely rare in home aquaria

• Unknown spawning behavior

• No verified captive breeding reports

🌟 Fun Facts:

• Generates a weak electric field for navigation and hunting in dark waters

• Can swim forward and backward with ease using its long undulating anal fin

• More secretive and reclusive than other knifefish — but striking when it emerges!

💡 Pro Tip:
Because of its size and diet, the Ossa Knifefish is best suited for advanced aquarists with large, predator-friendly tanks.

Looking for something rare, intelligent, and undeniably cool?
The Ossa Knifefish is a hidden gem for hobbyists who crave the unusual.

🛒 Add one to your aquatic collection — while supplies last!