El elephant fish, originally from Central Africa, is a fascinating species both for its appearance and its habits. Its scientific name is Gnathonemus petersii, and stands out for its elongated nose-shaped trunk, which it uses to search for food in the substrate of rivers and aquariums. In this article we will explore in detail its characteristics, behavior and care in the aquarium.
Physical characteristics of the elephant fish
The elephant fish can reach a size of up to 23 cm in the wild, although in captivity it generally does not exceed 20 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed, with a narrow tail and very small dorsal and anal fins. One of its most notable features is its trunk-shaped snout, which distinguishes it from many other species in the aquarium. This “proboscis” allows it to stir up the ground and search for small worms and invertebrates, its main source of food.
Habits and nocturnal behavior
One of the peculiarities of the elephant fish is its nocturnal behavior. During the day, it usually prefers hide in vegetation or in dark corners of the aquarium, making it a shy species. Activity begins at nightfall, when it comes out to look for food. These fish are slow to feed, making them vulnerable to faster, more voracious fish in community aquariums.
The species is also known for its character territorial. Although it usually coexists with other aquatic species, may show aggression if there is not enough space in the aquarium. This is particularly true with other species that inhabit the lower areas of the tank.
Elephant fish care in aquarium
If you want to have an elephant fish in your aquarium, it is important that the tank has at least 200 liters capacity to give it enough space, especially if more than one specimen is to be introduced. The aquarium should have a good amount of plants and hiding places, such as caves, roots or PVC pipes, since in their natural habitat they usually live in areas with lots of vegetation.
As for water conditions, the elephant fish prefers slightly acidic waters, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and a hardness of up to 15° GH. The water temperature should be kept between 23 and 28 °CIn addition, it is recommended that the aquarium have dim lighting, or reduce the intensity of the light by using floating plants that create shadows.
They should not be kept with other species that compete for the bottom of the aquarium, as this can create territorial conflicts and difficulties for the elephant fish to get enough food. A substrate of fine sand It is essential, as it will prevent the animal from damaging its trunk while searching for food.
Elephant fish feeding
In its natural habitat, the elephant fish feeds on small worms and aquatic invertebrates. In captivity, it is recommended to offer it a rich and varied diet that includes live or frozen foods as mosquito larvae, tubifex and brine shrimpIt is important to remember that this fish feeds primarily at night, so the best time to offer food is when the aquarium lights are off or with very low lighting.
It is also advisable to supplement their diet with bottom tablets or pellets that reach the elephant fish's area of activity, since being a species that feeds slowly, it may not have enough time to compete with faster fish.
An amazing electrical system
The elephant fish is not only known for its peculiar morphology, but also for its ability to generate weak electrical impulses. These impulses are produced by a special organ in its tail and allow it to orienting oneself in dark waters, detect obstacles, search for food and communicate with other fish of its species. Although its electrical system is weak compared to other electric fish, it is sufficient to orient itself and send signals in its environment.
Its intelligence is also remarkable. It has been shown to have a large brain in relation to its body size, which is only matched by humans, and it is known to have great learning capacity.
Tips and compatibility with other fish
Although the elephant fish is generally peaceful, it is advisable to keep it in specific aquariums without other bottom fish, as this can trigger territorial conflicts. In community aquariums, it is preferable to keep it with peaceful species that they do not share the same space in the aquarium.
Although specific details about their reproduction in captivity are not yet known, it is known that they feel more comfortable in aquariums where they find hiding places and low-light spaces, which can facilitate their well-being and longevity.
Proper maintenance of this fish is moderate to demanding, so it is not the best choice for beginners. However, with proper care, it is certainly a species that adds an exotic and fascinating touch to any aquarium.
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