Elephantnose Fish

Gnathonemus petersii, the Elephantnose Fish, is one of the most intelligent freshwater fish in the hobby. It generates and detects weak electric fields to navigate, communicate, and find food in murky waters — an ability that requires the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish. The long, downward-curving 'proboscis' (actually a chin extension) is used to probe substrate for worms and invertebrates. Nocturnal and shy; does best in dimly-lit setups with caves and leaf litter. Fascinating to observe.

Dim lighting or heavily planted tank. Temperature 23–28 °C, soft acidic water. Feed frozen bloodworm, tubifex, and live worms — digs in substrate for food. Keep alone or with very peaceful community fish; can be aggressive to conspecifics. Sensitive to water quality.