Elephant Nose
Elephant Nose
Elephant Nose (Gnathonemus petersii) is the most popular and widely kept mormyrid — immediately recognizable by the extraordinary finger-like extension of the lower jaw, which is a highly sensitive electrosensory organ used to probe substrate for invertebrates. The dark brown to black body and unique facial extension create an immediately recognizable profile. Despite its unusual appearance, it is a fascinating and rewarding fish with one of the largest brain-to-body ratios of any fish. Mormyrids are the remarkable African weakly electric fish of the family Mormyridae — a group with no counterpart in any other part of the world. Their electric organs, large cerebellum, and sophisticated electrosensory system make them among the most neurologically advanced freshwater fish.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets soaked and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms make excellent staples — feed after lights dim as mormyrids are most active at night. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms as supplements. Target-feed to ensure the fish locates its food.
Provide a dimly lit aquarium with soft, tannin-stained water, abundant hiding spots, and soft substrate for probing. Mormyrids are sensitive to bright light and feel most secure in dim conditions with plenty of cover.
Note on weakly electric fish: Mormyrids generate a weak electric field used for navigation and communication. Keep only one species of weakly electric fish per tank — multiple electric fish interfere with each other's electrosensory system and cause significant stress. Keep singly or with peaceful non-electric fish. Compatible with medium-sized peaceful community fish that will not compete aggressively at feeding time.
Mormyrids are extraordinary fish for aquarists who appreciate unusual biology. Their electrosensory ability, large cerebellum, and nocturnal hunting make them some of the most neurologically fascinating fish available in the freshwater hobby.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — nocturnal specialist |
| Typical Adult Size | 8.0 inches (20 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly — no other electric fish |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Origin | Congo River basin, Central Africa |
| Notes | One of the largest brain-to-body ratios of any fish. Lower jaw extension is electrosensory probe. Weakly electric — keep alone or with non-electric fish only. Nocturnal. |
