Subscribe
Subscribe
Elephant nose fish, more commonly referred to as Peter’s elephant-nose fish after Wilhelm Peters, a German naturalist belongs to the Mormyridae or elephant fish family. It is indigenous to different West and Central Africa water bodies and also referred to as the Ubangi mormyrid, perhaps because of its concentration around the Ubangi River region in Central Africa. The fish, known for its unique and striking physical features, earns its name because of the trunk-like projections on its head. In fact, in the United States, elephant nose fish is the commonest of the Mormyridae species found in most aquarium stores.
| Scientific Name | Gnathonemus petersii |
| Other Names | Elephantnose fish, Ubangi mormyrid, long-nosed elephant fish |
| Origin | West and Central Africa, mainly in the Orgun River, upper Chari River, and lower Niger River, basins |
| Type | Freshwater fish |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (as by the IUCN) |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Peaceful and timid, preferring to remain confined to their own space, but active |
| School Size | 5 – 7 species |
| Physical Traits (What do they look like) | Flattened laterally compressed, an irregularly-shaped body; a protruded appearance on the head resembling a trunk; rear anal and dorsal fins situated symmetrically to its caudal fin which appears forked and thin |
| Colors | Dark brown or black |
| Size (How big do they get) | Small to medium; 22.8 cm (9 inches) |
| Lifespan | 6 – 10 years |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Present but not prominent; it is assumed that males are narrower and longer while females appear rounder and broader |
| Probable Diseases | Fin rot, ich, bacterial and fungal infections |
| Approximate Price (How much are they for) | $ 35 – 40 |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Tank Size | 50 gallons (189.2 liters) |
Water Parameters
| pH Level | 6.8 – 7.2 |
| Temperature | 73 – 82 °F |
| Hardness | 4 – 18 dGH |
| Aquarium Water Flow | Slow |
Tank Ambience
| Lighting | Dim and subdued |
| Substrate Type | Soft sand (good for its nose lessening chances of injury), driftwood, and dark plants like hornwort and Java moss |
| Tank Mates | Compatible with: African species like catfishes like cory catfish, and Congo tetra; butterflyfish species, discus, small bichirs, gouramis like honey gourami, dwarf gourami, sparkling gourami, pearl gourami, black ghost knife fish, and cichlids like angelfish, geophagus, and satanoperca Incompatible with: Other elephant noses or fish of the Mormyridae family since they could get aggressive at one another |
| Suitable Position in the Tank | Bottom |
Feeding
| Diet (What do they eat) | 2 – 3 times a day |
| Frequency | 2 – 3 times a day Live or frozen tubifex, bloodworms, brine shrimps, chopped earthworms, flakes, and pellets |
The elephant nose fish is considered one of the most intelligent fish species. This is because it can explore its prey and the objects around through electrical stimuli, alongside its sharp, keen vision. It does this through the projection on its head known as schnauzenorgan. The fish is also known to possess the highest brain-to-body oxygen and weight rations, making it all the more intelligent.
ddd