Elephantnose Fish (Gnathonemus petersii)
| Elephantnose Fish Gnathonemus petersii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Elephantnose Fish |
| Name Lat. | Gnathonemus petersii |
| Family | Elephantfishes |
| Family lat. | Mormyridae |
| Order | Bony Tongues |
| Order lat. | Osteoglossiformes |
| Origin | Africa |
| Habitat | Rivers |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Nest builder |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 6-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 20-25 cm |
| Temperature | 23-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | 350 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 8"-10" |
| Temperature | 73-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | 90 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The home of the crepuscular and nocturnal elephant trunkfish is in West and Central Africa, where they are widely distributed in the catchment area of the lower Niger (Nigeria) and Congo (Central African Republic, Republic of Congo). There they live in slow-flowing, dark and muddy rivers with dense underwater vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting (e.g. Vallisneria, Anubias, Javafarn), with many hiding places, such as caves (e.g. perforated rock, tubes) and roots, and offer free swimming space. A dark, soft substrate of fine sand and highly subdued light (floating plant cover) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed at least once a day (in the evening) with a high-quality sinking dry food (granules, tablets) and daphnia, artemia, tubifex or mosquito larvae (live or frozen)
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept singly or in a group. Keeping them in pairs is not recommended, as the weaker animal will be suppressed. Keeping in a group is only recommended in a larger aquarium structured with numerous hiding places. The socialization with peaceful fish, such as African tetras and cichlids is well possible.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. In the male the anal fin is curved, in the female it is straight.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
The bottom of the aquarium should be very soft, because they search it with their proboscis for food. Particularly good water quality should be ensured.
The fish have electrical organs in the caudal peduncle, which emit weak electrical impulses (EOD = Electric Organ Discharge) and receptors distributed on the body, which receive impulses. These serve for orientation and also for the recognition of their conspecifics
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF