elephantnose fish
| Scientific name | Gnathonemus petersii |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Günther |
| Year of description | 1862 |
| IUCN category | LC |
| Family | Mormyridae |
| Genus | Gnathonemus |
Introduction
Gnathonemus petersii, commonly known as elephantnose fish, is a fresh water fish from the Africa.
Who is it?
Morphology
-
Average size28 cm
-
Maximum size35 cm
-
Longevity10 year
-
ShapeOval
-
Patternvertical stripes
-
Average size28 cm
-
Maximum size35 cm
-
Longevity10 year
-
ShapeOval
-
Patternvertical stripes
How to recognize the elephantnose fish ?
The elephantnose fish measures between 28 and 35 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly noir body. The also has blanc vertical stripes.
Behaviour & Life cycle
-
dietcarnivorous
-
Sociabilityliving in shoals
-
territorialNo
-
Way of livingdiurnal
The elephantnose fish is a fish living in shoals naturally found near the bottom. The members of each group are organized around a well established hierarchy. This species is carnivorous .
Although the elephantnose fish is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
-
Reproductiondont le mode de reproduction est encore inconnu
The elephantnose fish is a fish dont le mode de reproduction est encore inconnu.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
-
Temperature22 - 28 °C
-
pH (acidity)6 - 8
-
gh (hardness)5 - 19
Biotope presentation
The elephantnose fish is most often found at a depth between 0m and 5m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
BRAIN AND BODY OXYGEN REQUIREMENTS OF GNATHONEMUS PETERSII, A FISH WITH AN EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE BRAIN - GÖRAN E. NILSSON - Journal of Experimental Biology - 1996.
FINDING FOOD: SENSES INVOLVED IN FORAGING FOR INSECT LARVAE IN THE ELECTRIC FISH GNATHONEMUS PETERSII - GERHARD VON DER EMDE - HORST BLECKMANN - Journal of Experimental Biology - 1998.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS OF THE AFRICAN ELECTRIC FISHES (MORMYROIDEA: TELEOSTEI) AND A MODEL FOR THE EVOLUTION OF THEIR ELECTRIC ORGANS - JOHN P. SULLIVAN - SÉBASTIEN LAVOUÉ - Carl D. HOPKINS - Journal of Experimental Biology - 2000.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners