Elephant trunk fish - Gnathonemus petersii

The unusually shaped elephant trunk fish Gnathonemus petersii is also known as tapir trunk fish or tapir fish. It belongs to the Nile pike family, which is endemic and widespread in Africa. It is found on the bottom of all flowing waters in West Africa and is very common. The nocturnal ornamental fish has as another special feature that it uses weak electrical signals to locate its prey and orient itself in the habitat. The signals are also used to communicate with its conspecifics. The fish have very poor eyesight and, thanks to their excellent orientation via their electrical organ, have no problems even with turbid water.

The proboscis fish from West Africa grows to a length of about 25 to 35 cm and is extremely communicative and sociable. It should only be kept in a group of at least 6-8 animals. Tapirfish kept in too small groups can become very aggressive. The aquarium must be at least 180-200 cm long for such a group and well structured, otherwise the Elephant Trunkfish would drive each other crazy with their electrical impulses. In the community tank they have no problems even with larger peaceful by-fish. Shrimps and snails are considered as food, crayfish could hurt it.

Elephant Trunkfish are light to dark gray-brown and have two opposing crescent-shaped light vertical bands at the rear end of the body, with a dark filled center. The fins are transparent dark colored, the eye is bright. A bright spot also shines on the long caudal peduncle of some elephant trunk fish. The strikingly long and thin proboscis-like sn out has given the fish its name. Males have a concave anal fin that is indented inward.

In the aquarium Gnathonemus petersii like to have dense planting on the sides and in the background of the aquarium, but also still have swimming space. Soft substrate is advantageous because the fish like to search for food in it. Some Hiding places should be present. Elephant Trunk Fish like soft to medium hard, slightly warmer water at water temperatures of 24-28 °C.

Nothing is known about breeding in the aquarium. However, elephant trunk fish have already been bred under laboratory conditions. A rainy season was simulated by water changes with very soft, acidic water, also the water level was increased. The fish are apparently continuous spawners - they spawn repeatedly over a long period of time. Once the fish larvae have hatched, they are raised on fine live food.

The elephant trunk fish likes to eat Live food like tubifex or red mosquito larvae and Frozen food and should definitely be fed a varied diet. It likes to burrow in the substrate.

Our food recommendation: This NatureHolic main feed is a professional staple food for all aquarium fish. Main feed we supply in the form of soft granules, which thanks to its grain size of half a millimeter can be easily absorbed by small to medium-sized fish. The soft consistency resembles the texture of insect larvae in nature and protects the fish mouth from micro-injuries.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.