|
| |
Elephant nose
|
|
| Common name | Elephantnose, Peter's elephantnose |
| Scientific name | Gnathonemus petersii |
| Synonyms | |
| Size | 8" (20cm) |
| Origin | Africa: Cameroon, Nigeria, Congo (formerly Zaire) |
| Tank setup | Larger tank (3ft/90cm minimum) with plenty of hiding places, sandy substrate. |
| Compatibility | Can be territorial with their own kind. Generally compatible in the larger community tank. |
| Temperature | 22-28oC (72-82oF) |
| Water chemistry | Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0) |
| Feeding | An omnivore which prefers live foods, but will take frozen foods, and possibly flake. |
| Sexing | Unknown |
| Breeding | Unknown |
| Comments |
G. petersii is the most commonly available of several species of elephantnose.
The 'trunk' is used for hunting small food organisms, a soft substrate is necessary to prevent
injury to the snout. These fish have a weak electric organ which they use for navigation. You must take great
care if you ever need to treat these fish, or a tank containing them, with a medication. They are sensitive to
several of the common treatments - read the product insert carefully. |
| |
|
