Elephant Nose 12-15cm

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.

Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus petersii)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Elongated and laterally compressed with a smooth, scaleless surface. It has a distinctive trunk-like extension at the front of its head.
  • Color: Generally grayish to brownish with a lighter underside. The trunk-like projection is a key identifying feature.
  • Size: Typically grows to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in length.

• Behavior:

  • Activity: Mostly nocturnal; they are most active during the night and spend daytime hiding.
  • Social Structure: Generally solitary but can tolerate the presence of other non-aggressive fish. They are known for their shy and elusive nature.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum of 55 gallons (208 liters) for a single Elephant Nose Fish. Larger tanks are preferable to provide sufficient swimming space and hiding spots.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C). They require stable, warm water conditions.
  • pH: 6.0-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. They prefer softer water but can adapt to a range of hardness levels.
  • Filtration: Good filtration is essential, but avoid strong currents that could stress the fish. They prefer gentle water flow.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel is ideal. They may burrow or sift through the substrate, so choose a substrate that is gentle on their delicate skin.
  • Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and PVC pipes or tubes. They need secure places to hide and feel safe.
  • Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is adequate. They are more active at night, so bright lighting is not necessary.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Carnivorous; feed a varied diet including live or frozen foods such as worms, insects, and small fish. They may also accept high-quality carnivore pellets.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like chopped shrimp or earthworms to provide dietary variety.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful and non-aggressive fish. Avoid tank mates that are too boisterous or that may disturb their hiding spots.
  • Social Behavior: Solitary by nature; they are generally shy and do not need other fish of the same species to thrive.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are necessary to maintain water quality and manage the bioload.
  • Cleaning: Clean the tank regularly and remove any uneaten food or waste. Ensure the filtration system is effective and not causing excessive water movement.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like skin lesions or discoloration.
  • Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if health issues arise. Address any signs of disease or stress promptly to ensure the well-being of your Elephant Nose Fish.