Trunk-nosed Elephantfish

Adults reach up to 22 cm in length, with a laterally compressed body. The fish is usually grey-white in colour. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned symmetrically, shifted towards the tail. One of the most striking features is the 'trunk'—a specialized mouth that the fish uses to search for food in mud and silt, which gives it the common name trunk-nosed elephantfish. Active at night and in low visibility, it uses a special organ on the tail that generates short electrical pulses to navigate. Electroreceptors on the head detect minute changes in the electrical field, creating a 'picture' of the world around it.

Its natural range lies in central Africa, in the Congo River basin, which covers parts of present-day Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola. In the wild it prefers the bottom zones of rivers rich in silt and dense aquatic vegetation.

This species is territorial and fiercely defends its bottom area from other members of its own kind. Therefore, keep only one individual per tank. The trunk-nosed elephantfish lives well with non-aggressive, calm fish of similar or smaller size, preferably ones that inhabit the middle or upper water layers.

The trunk-nosed elephantfish needs an aquarium of at least 250 litres. Provide dimmed lighting and use a soft sandy substrate with added processed peat or similar material. Include dense plant growth. Given the dim lighting, choose shade-tolerant species such as anubias, vallisneria, and certain mosses and ferns. Stable water parameters are critical. A powerful filtration system is recommended, but remember that this fish tolerates strong water flow poorly; choose a filter that does not create excessive water movement. Standard tank care includes weekly partial water changes and regular removal of organic waste.

In nature it feeds on various bottom organisms such as crustaceans, worms, insects and their larvae, and also eats plant matter. In the home aquarium, maintain a suitable diet, especially if the fish is not yet accustomed to dry or frozen foods.

No successful breeding of the trunk-nosed elephantfish has been recorded in the home aquarium. These fish come either from commercial breeding farms or are caught in the wild.

Poor tank conditions are often the cause of disease. Low water quality, unbalanced feeding, and injury can lead to various infections. The 'trunk' is particularly vulnerable to damage, especially if the substrate is hard. In a well-balanced aquarium ecosystem, fish typically do not develop health problems.

When choosing a trunk-nosed elephantfish, examine it carefully: healthy skin should be clean, without white coating, ulcers or damage, as this fish has no scales and is highly susceptible to infection and water quality issues. Pay attention to activity: in the shop it may look shy, but should show interest when offered food. Avoid specimens with an unnaturally sunken belly, which may indicate prolonged starvation or refusal to feed. Check for signs of rapid breathing or lethargy, which often indicate stress or poor conditions in the shop tank. Ask the seller what the fish is being fed, as adapting to new food types can be difficult. Ensure the trunk is undamaged, as this organ is key to navigation and finding food, and injury to it can be fatal.