Hello, guys. First post here. I have been in the hobby for a while but just got a new 300g+ freshwater-ready fish tank (brother-in-law lost his house and had to get rid of it, no taker so I was happy to take it at no cost). I first wanted to convert the tank to a saltwater tank but I realized I would have to spend thousand of $$$ in order to be satisfied. I was looking at adding freshwater fishes I have never possess before (had arowanas, p. bass, bichir, dats, monster catfishes) and stumble upon the tiger knifefish and zebra knifefish. They look really similar to me and I can't really tell the difference to be honest. I couldn't find much info about them on how to differentiate them beside looking at photos. The tiger colors look more crisp and it appears the stripes start with a darker color. On the other hand, the zebra's colors look duller or faded. Again, I am not sure if it has anything to do with the quality of the pictures or the fish itself. Both fish look amazing, but the tiger would be my choice. Is there any other physical difference between the tiger and zebra (i.e. stripes pattern, fins, tail, head)? I am puzzled. Reminds me of the time when I had a hard time differentiating datnoids with their stress and juruense cat vs. tigrinus cat. Stripes, stripes, stripes and they are juveniles too. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.
Gymnotus carapo (Zebra knifefish) vs. Gymnotus tiger (Tiger Knifefish)
- Thread starter LuluB916
- Start date
Go for Gymnotus tigre! I have yet to keep this species, but they get to be a good size, and seem to be more docile. My Carapo would kill anything small enough to be a quick meal - even attack a large Oscar (while others have had them do fine with other fish). Between coloration, the Tiger wins in my eyes. The Carapo is more dull in color, IMO.
KingeL has kept the Tiger before - beautiful specimen too. Search for some of his threads, shouldn't be too hard to find. I'll looks for pics of my Carapo quick as well.
KingeL has kept the Tiger before - beautiful specimen too. Search for some of his threads, shouldn't be too hard to find. I'll looks for pics of my Carapo quick as well.
I agree with Hoyo, go for the Tigre. The easiest way to tell the difference is Tigre has markings on the face and Carapo does not. Carapo pattern is a little more blurred as well. Tigre looks better in my opinion. Both species can be very aggressive like all knifefish, but some individuals may be more passive.
And congrats on the free 300g
And congrats on the free 300g
Here is a shot of my Carapo from back in the day - very cool fish none the less, but this one specifically was very aggressive...except for one goldfish...never even touched the thing...still have that Goldfish today!
