Elephant Nose Knife Fish
Elephant Nose Knife Fish
Elephant Nose Knife Fish (Sternarchorhynchus oxyrhynchus) has a dramatically elongated, pointed snout — the 'elephant nose' — used to probe substrate and crevices for invertebrate prey. The thin, blade-like body and pointed rostrum create an extraordinary profile. South American knife fish use a continuous wave of the elongated anal fin for propulsion and generate weak electric fields for navigation and communication in their dark, murky native waters.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets soaked and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms make excellent staples — feed after lights dim. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp.
Knife fish generate a weak electric field to navigate and communicate — keep only one species of weakly electric fish per tank, as the electric fields of multiple fish interfere with each other causing stress. Provide PVC pipes or caves large enough for the fish to rest inside completely. Dimly lit aquariums with plenty of cover replicate their natural blackwater habitat.
Singly or with large, peaceful fish. Do not keep with other weakly electric fish. Provide PVC pipe shelter. Sensitive to water quality — regular water changes important.
Fascinating specialist fish for aquarists who appreciate unusual biology and behavior.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 14 inches (35 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Amazon basin, South America |
| Notes | Elongated pointed snout for probing substrate. Blade-like body. Weakly electric. Fine substrate for probing behavior. |
