Trunk-nosed Elephantfish

Adults can reach up to 22 cm in length, with a body compressed laterally. The fish's coloration is typically grayish-white. The dorsal and anal fins are symmetrically positioned, shifted closer to the caudal peduncle. One of the most remarkable features of this species is the presence of a “trunk”—a specialized mouth that the fish uses to search for food in the mud, which earned it the colloquial name “Trunk-nosed Elephantfish.” Being nocturnal and living in conditions of limited visibility, it uses a special organ on its tail that generates short electrical impulses to orient itself in space. In turn, electroreceptors on its head allow it to detect the slightest changes in the electric field, thus creating a “picture” of its surroundings.

Its natural habitat is in the central part of the African continent, in the vast water bodies of the Congo River basin, covering the territories of modern-day Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. In nature, it prefers the bottom areas of rivers, abundant in silt and dense aquatic vegetation.

This species is territorial and jealously defends its bottom territory from other fish of the same species. Therefore, it is advisable to keep only one specimen in a single aquarium. The Trunk-nosed Elephantfish coexists well with non-aggressive, peaceful fish of similar or smaller size, and it is desirable that tank mates primarily inhabit the middle or upper water layers.

For keeping the Trunk-nosed Elephantfish, an aquarium with a volume of at least 250 liters will be required. It is important to provide subdued lighting, and for the substrate, choose a soft sandy material with the addition of treated peat or a similar material. The aquarium should have dense plant thickets. Given the dim lighting, preference should be given to shade-tolerant species such as Anubias, Vallisneria, as well as some mosses and ferns. Maintaining stable water parameters is also critically important. The installation of a powerful filtration system is recommended, but it should be remembered that these fish do not tolerate strong currents well, so when choosing a filter, it is worth opting for models that do not create excessive water movement. Standard aquarium maintenance procedures include weekly partial water changes with fresh water and regular cleaning of organic debris.

In natural conditions, it feeds on various benthic organisms such as crustaceans, worms, insects and their larvae, and also consumes plant detritus. In a home aquarium, it is important to maintain an appropriate diet, especially if the fish is not yet accustomed to dry or frozen foods.

Currently, there have been no documented successful cases of breeding the Trunk-nosed Elephantfish in home aquariums. These fish enter the market either from commercial fish farms or are caught in the wild.

The main cause of diseases is often improper keeping conditions. Poor water quality, an unbalanced diet, and injuries can lead to the development of various infections. The “trunk” is particularly vulnerable to injuries, especially if a hard substrate is used. In a well-balanced aquarium ecosystem, fish usually do not encounter health problems. More detailed information on symptoms and treatment methods can be found in the “Diseases of Aquarium Fish” section.

When choosing a Trunk-nosed Elephantfish, carefully inspect its skin: in a healthy specimen, it should be clean, without white film, ulcers, or damage, as this species has no scales and is extremely susceptible to infections and water quality. Pay attention to the fish's activity: in the store, it may appear timid, but when offered food, it should show interest. Avoid specimens with an unnaturally sunken belly, which may indicate prolonged emaciation or refusal to eat.

• Check for any signs of rapid breathing or lethargy, which often indicate stress or poor conditions in the retail aquarium.
• Ask the seller what the fish is being fed, as adaptation to new types of food can be difficult.
• Ensure that the fish has no damage to its trunk, as this organ is key for orientation and food searching, and injuries to it can lead to the death of the specimen.