Elephantnose Fish

Gnathonemus petersii is one of the most well-known weakly electric fish in the hobby, native to the Congo and Niger River basins. Its dramatically extended lower jaw — a Schnauzenorgan — is packed with electroreceptors that detect prey buried in substrate and allow it to communicate with conspecifics via species-specific electrical pulses. It has the largest brain-to-body ratio of any vertebrate. Strictly nocturnal, it requires dim lighting, plenty of hiding places, and soft substrate to probe. Sensitive to electrical fields — avoid using unshielded pumps or heaters. Surprisingly delicate for an experienced keeper's tank.