Description
The Elephant Nose Fish gets its name from its unique trunk-like mouth that resembles an elephant’s nose. This unique fish draws attention and will be a centrepiece fish in an aquarium (provided that they are comfortable). Consider setting up a tank with plenty of hiding spots and shade in the form of smooth rocks, woods, or plants as these fish are generally a quiet species. When choosing a substrate, consider a soft substrate like sand as the Elephant Nose Fish likes to forage for food in the substrate using its long trunk-like mouth. Rough substrates and sharp edges may potentially damage the mouth. With a size of up to 25cm in length, a large tank is recommended to provide a wide and comfortable swimming area for these fish.
They are considered to be aggressive and territorial in their temperament. When considering this species, they should either be kept in a small school of 4 – 7 so that aggression is contained within their school or just one by itself. If only a pair is kept together, the weaker one will be bullied by the stronger one. It is not ideal to keep other active and aggressive fishes with them as they will be outcompeted for food. The Elephant Nose Fish slowly forages the floor for food and keeping other active fishes with them makes it harder to feed them due to the competition. Consider slower moving fish like the African Butterfly Fish, Corydoras Catfish, and small Tetras as tankmates. They are a nocturnal species and is much more active during the night. Have a well-covered tank too as this fish may jump out of water.
The Elephant Nose Fish is omnivorous and forages the tank floor for food. In nature, they eat anything from plant matter to small insects and crustaceans. In captivity, they are best fed with foods that sink to the bottom like bloodworms. A noteworthy trait of the Elephant Nose Fish is that this fish is trustful towards its owner and will be able to eat out of their hand in time. Do feed it when all the lights are out as they are a nocturnal species.
FUN FACT: The trunk-like mouth of the Elephant Nose Fish has a lot of nerve endings and produce low electrical pulses to navigate the muddy waters in its natural habitat and find food.
Please visit our store if you wish to get this fish. Contact us at 03-7733 7469 for queries on types and availability.
* Available in-store only