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Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Here’s a complete and detailed guide to the Freshwater Dolphin Nose Fish, also known as the Elephant Nose Fish – a fascinating and unusual aquarium species with an elongated snout and incredible electrosensory abilities.


🐟 Dolphin Nose Fish (Elephant Nose Fish) – Full Information Guide


Common Names:

  • Dolphin Nose Fish

  • Elephant Nose Fish

  • Elephant-nose

  • Long-nosed Elephant Fish

  • Freshwater Dolphin Fish (not to be confused with marine dolphin fish)


🔬 Scientific Classification:

Category Detail
Scientific Name Gnathonemus petersii
Family Mormyridae
Origin Central and West Africa – especially Niger and Congo river basins
Type Freshwater electric fish

📏 Appearance:

Feature Description
Size Typically 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in aquariums
Body Color Dark brown to black with white/silver horizontal markings
Snout Long, trunk-like "nose" (actually an extended mouth)
Fins Transparent or dark, rounded dorsal and anal fins
Shape Laterally compressed with a smooth, streamlined body

🧠 Behavior & Intelligence:

  • Nocturnal – most active at night

  • Uses electrolocation to navigate, hunt, and communicate

  • Highly intelligent and sensitive fish

  • Can recognize their surroundings and even "personalize" tank areas

  • May show territorial or shy behavior, especially with similar species


🌡️ Aquarium Requirements:

Parameter Ideal Range
Tank Size Minimum 50–75 gallons for one adult
Temperature 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
pH Level 6.5 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardness Soft to moderately hard
Lighting Dim or subdued (simulate dusk/night environment)
Substrate Soft sand (protects their sensitive mouth)
Décor Caves, driftwood, rocks, PVC pipes for hiding
Plants Live or artificial plants for cover and enrichment
Filtration Strong filtration but gentle flow; water must be clean and stable
Lid/Cover Required – they may jump when startled

🧘 Temperament:

  • Generally peaceful, but can be territorial with others of the same kind

  • Best kept alone or in a large tank with other peaceful fish

  • Avoid fast-moving, nippy, or aggressive species


🤝 Tank Mates:

Good Companions Avoid
Peaceful cichlids (like keyholes) Fin nippers (barbs, tiger barbs)
Gouramis Aggressive fish (oscars, large cichlids)
Corydoras Goldfish (different needs)
Angelfish Loaches or puffers (may harass)
Tetras (larger, non-nippy types) Electric fish (conflicts in electric signal detection)

Keep only one Dolphin Nose Fish per tank, unless tank is very large (100+ gallons) and heavily planted.


🍽️ Diet:

Type Examples
Live/Frozen Food Bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
Meaty Foods Chopped earthworms, mosquito larvae
Pellets High-protein sinking pellets (hard to train)
Feeding Habit Nocturnal feeder – prefers to eat in dim or dark lighting

They are picky eaters and may refuse dry food initially. Start with frozen/live and slowly train to pellets.


🧬 Special Abilities:

  • Possesses an electroreceptive organ in its extended mouth, allowing it to:

    • Navigate in total darkness

    • Detect small prey or obstacles

    • Communicate with other elephant-nose fish

  • Part of a group of fish known as weakly electric fish

  • Sensitive to electrical interference, including some equipment


❤️ Care Tips:

Issue Prevention
Stress/shyness Provide hiding places and avoid bright light
Injuries to mouth/snout Use soft sand, not gravel
Poor feeding Feed after lights out with high-protein foods
Electrosensory disturbance Avoid strong magnets and electric currents near tank
Sensitive to meds Avoid copper or harsh medications
  • Regular water changes (25–30% weekly) are essential

  • Maintain stable parameters – they dislike fluctuations

  • Handle with care – their skin and nose are delicate


🧬 Breeding:

  • Very difficult in home aquariums

  • Requires large tanks and precise water parameters

  • Breeding mostly happens in the wild or under professional breeding conditions

  • No confirmed reports of hobbyist-level breeding success


🕰️ Lifespan:

  • 8 to 10 years in captivity with excellent care

  • Some have lived up to 12 years in optimal conditions


🧾 Quick Summary Table:

Feature Details
Scientific Name Gnathonemus petersii
Common Name Dolphin Nose / Elephant Nose
Size 8–10 inches
Tank Size 50–75 gallons minimum
pH Level 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature 24°C – 28°C
Lifespan 8–10 years
Temperament Peaceful but shy
Diet Carnivore – live/frozen
Best for Experienced aquarists
Care Level Moderate to difficult

🌟 Highlights:

  • 🐘 Unique "trunk-like nose" used for sensing and feeding

  • ⚡ Fascinating electrosensory ability – like radar in the water

  • 🎨 Striking dark body with elegant white stripes

  • 🌌 Active mostly at night, a joy to observe in low light

  • 🤫 Very quiet and gentle, but requires specific care



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