Elephant Nose Fish

Elephant Nose Fish: There is no other freshwater species like the elephant nose fish.

Also, no other fish have their distinctive and intriguing appearance, and owners are sure to surprise visitors who visit their aquarium.

There is a lot of inaccurate information being circulated online about the elephant nose fish. We’re not sure if this is because of their unique appearance or the fact that these fish are quite well-liked.

Some claim to be small, while others claim to be large. Some say they’re aggressive, and others say they’re peaceful.

It is a freshwater fish from Africa with an extremely peculiar appearance.

The most well-known names for them are Long-Nosed Elephant Fish, Ubangi mormyrid, Elephant Fish, and Peters’ Elephant Nose Fish (named after the person who discovered them). They also go by a number of other common names.

There are many rivers in Africa that contain these fish, but the Niger, Chari, and Ogun rivers are the biggest. The visibility in these waters is typically quite poor. This is a result of both the riverbed and debris buildup, as well as the rivers’ incredibly gentle current. The Elephant Nose Fish encounters a variety of challenges in these rivers.

I. Size

• Average Adult Size: 23  (9.1 in)
• Maximum Adult Size: 25 cm (9.8 in)
• Swimming Level: Middle and bottom and love to hide.

II. You would love the fish because…

Despite what the name might imply, the Schnauzenorgan on their head serves as an all-purpose navigational tool in addition to other functions.

It connects to their mouth and is extremely sensitive. The Elephant Fish primarily employs this technique to navigate the murky waters. However, it does more than just enable them to swim by reaching out in front of their bodies. In actuality, this species is an expert at electrolocation.

There are numerous receptors on its body that can pick up on the minute electric currents that other animals emit. The primary area of their body that makes use of this is their Schnauzenorgan, and it is a very helpful trick to have. Despite being able to detect minute electric emissions.

Their overall appearance now that we’ve briefly discussed the function of their most notable feature, the Schnauzenorgan. The Elephant Nose Fish is a rather attractive fish that resembles a cross between an elephant and a sword. They have a long, narrow body that is nicely colored and has stripes on it.

Starting at the front, they have a long, thin nose that sags slightly. This is directly connected to their mouth, which is located at or near eye level on their body. They have side-facing eyes on their thin, pointed heads.

This slope abruptly ends at the beginning of their pectoral fin, and their width continues all the way to their dorsal and anal fins. They have very large dorsal and anal fins.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

• Recommended: 4
• Recommended Male/Female – 1:1
• Overall hostility: Peaceful yet a little temperamental
• Hostility towards own species: Peaceful
• Hostility towards other Species: Peaceful – do well in communal aquarium settings

IV. Species compatibility

• Black Ghost Knife Fish
• Bichir
• Congo Tetra
• Cory Catfish
• Dwarf Gourami
• Sparkling Gourami
• Honey Gourami
• Pearl Gourami
• Angelfish
• Discus

V. How to feed this species?

The bloodworm, mosquito larvae, black fly, brine shrimp, and tubifex can all be used to feed elephant nose fish. Some people have been known to eat frozen worms or food in the form of flakes. Of course, at first this might not be a good idea. Later, after developing trust, it becomes accustomed to this diet.

Recommended food

• Taiyo Pluss Discovery Spirulina & Spinach Infused Flakes

• Hikari Sinking Wafers

Word for the wise

Live Plants

Driftwood

Rocks

Live, frozen food

Aquarium Starter Kit

Filter

Heater

Thermometer

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