[Tracy]

I've had my African Elephant Nose fish ("Ralph") for about a month now. I've been feeding him frozen brine shrimp. There are two gold gouramis living in the tank (25 gallon) with him. The tank has lots of plants, and a rock cave for him to hide in. All I really know about him is that he is nocturnal and very shy. He looks like a like a little dolphin (or humming bird!) Just wondering if anyone has any more information about this facsinating species. (sorry for my typos).

 

[Lupin]

Elephant-nose tend to live in murky areas in their wild habitat and use electric pulse they generate to search for food. They are also blind hence the availability of their ability to use electric pulses to search for food.
They are not to be kept with very inquisitive fish and other bottom dwellers as those fish will only be annoyed by the Elephant nose's electric pulses.
They also reach 20 cm max size.

 

[Tracy]

They're blind? :shock:

 

[girlofgod]

i wanna see a pic!

bri

 

[Lupin]

They're blind? :shock:

Let's just say "poor sight". It is because in the wild they live only in murky areas. If you notice fish living in murky areas, a majority are blind or have poor sight and will not tolerate bright lights. They will appreciate plenty of cover though.

Good luck.

 

[Tracy]

Thanks Blue . Yes, I figured he has limited eye sight, and you're right about having subdued lighting. I use a blue light and actually block part of the light as well so it is very dim.

Girlofgod, I would love to show you a photo but he is very difficult to photograph -- he's very shy and then with the poor lighting in the aquarium I'm afraid that all you'll see is my camera's flash You can do a 'Google' search for African Elephant Nose, though, there are some good photos there. I think he's a very interesting fish and am enjoying him very much.