If you're looking for a really unusual fish for your tropical freshwater aquarium, Peters' elephantnose fish are second to none. Their fascinating appearance, with the lower lip extended like a long snout, is accompanied by a high degree of intelligence and intriguing behaviour. Although they can be shy, patience and care will encourage them to be friendly, active participants in the aquarium community.
Environment
Elephantnose fish can be kept in water of varying hardness but need it to be neutral or slightly acidic. Because they are very sensitive to changes in water conditions they are not a good idea for beginners and are best suited to larger tanks where stability is easier to maintain. They are particularly sensitive to salt. The temperate should be kept around 27°.Black or dark brown in colour with attractive white stripes across the tail, elephantnose fish are smooth-skinned. Like many scaleless fish they can be sensitive to common aquarium medicines, so always check before treating the tank where they are living.
In the wild, elephantnose fish are nocturnal. They are happiest under dim lighting in aquariums with plenty of hiding places. Hollow logs, open at both ends, are a particular favourite, and they will move around more confidently if there are lots of plants they can use for cover. Provide a soft, sandy substrate so that they can root about in it with their 'noses'; gravel can easily injure them. However softer and rounder ones are tolerable.
Feeding Elephantnose Fish
Elephantnose fish have a unique feeding style, using their 'noses' to flip food up into their mouths. In the wild they eat worms and insects, and in the aquarium bloodworm of blackfly larvae are a favourite meal.
Some elephantnose fish can be persuaded to eat frozen worms or even flake food but it's a bad idea to rely on this. In case you get a fussy eater, have some liquid fry food ready as a back-up, easy to sift out of the water.
Read more »
