Freshwater Dolphin

Freshwater Dolphin:In the aquarium trade, freshwater dolphin fish are a rare species. They are known as “Dolphin Fish” because of their snout, which resembles a bottle and makes them look like oceanic bottlenose dolphins.

Unfortunately, because to these critters’ unique appearance, a lot of inaccurate information about them is spread online.

To begin with, unlike what some people may think, these fish are not dolphins. They are a kind of freshwater fish that resemble ray-finned fish.

Furthermore, Freshwater Dolphin Fish is not a particular species; rather, the term is used to refer to specific Mormyrids that lack expanded mouthparts.

The Mormyridae, sometimes referred to as freshwater elephantfish, is a varied family that has nearly 221 identified species and is native to the waters of Africa. These elephantfish have a protruding, “elephant-like” snout that they utilise to sift through dirt while they wait to ambush their victim.

One of the key characteristics that distinguishes various Mormyridae members is the shape and structure of their mouthparts.

Species with protruding, tubular snouts are popularly referred to as “elephant-nosed fish.” Peters’ elephant-nose fish is the most well-known kind (Gnathonemus petersii). At the neighbourhood fish shop, most Mormyrids are marketed under this species. Be warned that this species is a much lesser-known member of the genus.

There are several species that go by the popular term “freshwater dolphin fish,” as we previously indicated.

II. You would love the fish because…

The small and elongated snout of freshwater dolphin fish is its most distinctive trait. They are also extremely sociable and clever, which is also a result of their big cerebellum, thus huge brain sizes.

The auditory vesicle in their inner ears, is used for communication and self-defense, is another intriguing adaption.

These species have torpedo-shaped bodies that are colored brown, grey, or black. Typically, the underside has a lighter tint.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

This giant fish is often calm, it is better to keep them in groups of three or more, with one male and several females.

IV. Species compatibility

• African cichlids
• Synodontis catfish
• Smaller bichirs
• Congo tetras

V. How to feed this species?

It is advised to provide them with a variety of live foods, including feeder fish, brine shrimp, meaty frozen foods, worms, and daphnia. They will also consume peas, earthworms, tiny pellets, and frozen community fish feeds.

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