#apteronotus

Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons), family Apteronotidae, found in freshwater habitats in much of South America

This nocturnal fish produces a weak electrical field that helps it locate prey and find its way around in the dark.

Apteronotus albifrons

Apteronotus translates into without a back fin, while albifrons means white leaf foliage.

Family: Apteronotidae (Ghost Knifefish)

Fun Fact: “Nocturnal. Possesses a weakly discharging neurogenic electric organ and ampullary electro receptors that are distributed from head to tail.” (Fishbase)

Habitat: They are endemic to freshwater ways of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, and through the Paraná river (the 2nd longest river in South America). 

Ecosystem Role: They help control arthropod populations by eating the larvae.