Freshwater

Clown knifefish (Notopterus chitala)
The carnivorous knifefish resembles the curved blade of a Japanese sword
and grows greater than 10 inches in length. This fish is nocturnal and should
be kept by itself or with larger fish such as oscars. This species lives in the
lower levels of the tank and moves by undulating its body They have been
known to live over seven years in captivity.
The knifefish tank should be 55 gallons or larger, include dim lighting, 75–78
degree F waters, a tight-fitting lid (they are jumpers), plenty of rocks (make
sure there are no sharp edges because this species does not have scales),
and driftwood for hiding places. This species should be fed a diet of frozen
and fresh brine shrimp, bloodworms, and plankton. They really like the live
food best and should only be fed once every night after the lights have been
turned off.
Leaf fish (Monocirrhus polyacanthus)
The carnivorous South American leaf fish has a blotched skin pattern that
makes it look like a decaying leaf floating through the water. The leaf fish
floats head down and snags its prey as it floats by. This fish is cool looking
and grows up to 4 inches.
Keep it with fish of its own size or in a species tank because it is a predator.
Generally this fish will refuse any food that is not alive, so be prepared to buy
small feeder fish. The leaf fish lives in all levels of the tank and should be kept
in water that is 72–77 degrees F, with a pH of 6–6.5.
Freshwater tropical invertebrates
Chapter 8: Finding Your Species
There are many invertebrates you can buy for your aquarium. Invertebrates
are not fish because they lack a backbone.
Ghost shrimp (Paleomonetes species)
Ghost shrimp are small (only 2 inches at maturity), have segmented bodies,
and are almost transparent except for a colored spot on their tails. This
peaceful and delicate creature with ten sets of legs makes an interesting
aquatic pet.
This species needs to be kept with passive fish that will not tear it limb from
limb. Many hobbyists set up a 10-gallon aquarium just for their ghost shrimp
so that they don’t have to worry about predators. The reverse is also true:
many hobbyists use them as feeders for other fish.
Ghost shrimp will eat almost anything in the aquarium using their tiny claws
to scoop it in. They will consume waste, algae, and almost any live, frozen, or
manufactured food. They are true scavengers.
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