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...
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
Elephant-nose
Long-nosed Elephant Fish
Freshwater Dolphin Fish (not to be confused with marine dolphin fish)
Category | Detail |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Gnathonemus petersii |
Family | Mormyridae |
Origin | Central and West Africa – especially Niger and Congo river basins |
Type | Freshwater electric fish |
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 |
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
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 |
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
8 to 10 years in captivity with excellent care
Some have lived up to 12 years in optimal conditions
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 |
🐘 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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