Pom Pom Knifefish (Papyrocranus afer)

Papyrocranus afer is an uncommonly seen species that occurs across a broad swath of Western and Central Africa. You’ll see it traded under a number of names: the Pom Pom Knifefish, the Arowana Knifefish, the Reticulate Knifefish, and Marbled Knifefish. These last two names should give an idea for just how beautiful this species can become, making it among the most desirable aquarium notopterids in all of Africa.

Fully grown specimens measure in at just under 3 feet in length, though most aquarium specimens will stay well below this size. The adults are olivaceous throughout their body and fins, with a contrasting pattern of irregular cream-colored spots. This results in a reticulated or marbled look, not too dissimilar to a Marble Trout. The closely related P. congoensis, the only other species in this genus, occurs to the south in the Congo River Basic and is a considerably drabber looking species, lacking the white markings of its cousin.

But she is a deadly beauty, with a reputation of aggression towards tankmates. Other knifefishes are especially unfit alongside P. afer, but even peaceful giants like the arowana may get bullied. Obviously, a supersized aquarium is called for, replete with numerous pieces of driftwood and rock for creating territories. Some possible fishes to consider alongside this knifefish might include stingrays, bichirs, gar, larger catfishes (especially loricariids), and perhaps some of the more robustly built barbs and cichlids and datnoids.

As with most knifefish, P. afer is still a retiring fish that prefers the cover of darkness. A varied diet of meaty foods is required.