Angolan Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus angolensis) 5cm

Description

Angolan Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus angolensis)

Intelligent, mysterious and unlike any other freshwater fish, the Angolan Elephant Nose Fish is a remarkable African species renowned for its elongated sensory "trunk" and exceptional ability to navigate using weak electrical signals. Best suited to experienced aquarists, it becomes a captivating centrepiece in large, peaceful aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Gnathonemus angolensis
  • Common name: Angolan Elephant Nose Fish, Elephantnose Fish
  • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
  • Adult size: Approximately 20–25 cm
  • Tank size: 250L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: πŸ”΄ Advanced
  • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial with its own kind
  • Social needs: Best kept singly unless housed in a very large aquarium

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want one of the most intelligent freshwater fish available.
  • You have a mature aquarium with excellent water quality.
  • You enjoy observing unusual behaviours and nocturnal activity.
  • You can provide a varied diet of meaty foods.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is newly established.
  • You keep aggressive or highly boisterous fish.
  • You want a brightly lit, sparsely decorated aquarium.
  • You cannot provide stable water conditions and regular maintenance.

Why choose an Angolan Elephant Nose Fish?

The Angolan Elephant Nose Fish is one of the aquarium hobby's most fascinating species. Rather than relying primarily on vision, it generates weak electrical fields that allow it to detect food, navigate obstacles and communicate in dark, murky environments.

Its distinctive elongated lower lip, often described as a "trunk", is packed with sensory receptors that it uses to probe the substrate in search of insect larvae, worms and other small invertebrates. This unique feeding behaviour makes it endlessly interesting to observe.

Although peaceful toward most appropriately sized fish, Elephant Nose Fish are sensitive to poor water quality and appreciate quiet surroundings with plenty of hiding places. Once settled, they often learn to recognise their keeper and become surprisingly interactive at feeding time.

Benefits

  • One of the most intelligent freshwater fish
  • Unique electrical sensing ability
  • Extraordinary elongated "trunk" for feeding
  • Excellent feature fish for large aquariums
  • Peaceful with suitable tank mates
  • Long-lived with proper care

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.5
  • Diet: Bloodworms, blackworms, earthworms, frozen foods, insect larvae and quality carnivorous sinking foods
  • Water: Soft to moderately hard, clean, stable and well filtered
  • Substrate: Fine sand is strongly recommended to protect the sensitive snout
  • Setup: Dim lighting, driftwood, caves, leaf litter and numerous hiding places
  • Avoid sharp gravel, as it may damage the delicate sensory organ.
  • Feed after lights dim if housed with faster daytime fish.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Congo Tetras
  • Peaceful Synodontis Catfish
  • Severums
  • Large Rainbowfish
  • Peaceful West African cichlids of similar size
NTA Insight:
The Elephant Nose Fish's remarkable electrical navigation system makes it unlike almost any other freshwater species. Because of its sensitive nature, it performs best in mature aquariums with stable water quality, subdued lighting and soft sandy substrates. Patience during acclimation is rewarded with one of the most engaging and intelligent fish in the hobby.

FAQ

Why is it called an Elephant Nose Fish?

The elongated lower lip resembles a small elephant's trunk, but it is actually a highly specialised sensory organ used to locate food hidden within the substrate.

Does it really produce electricity?

Yes. It generates weak electrical signals used for navigation, communication and locating prey. These signals are harmless to people and other aquarium inhabitants.

Can more than one Elephant Nose Fish be kept together?

They are often territorial toward members of their own species. Multiple individuals should only be attempted in very large, well-structured aquariums with ample hiding places.

Do they need sand?

Yes. Fine sand is highly recommended because it allows the fish to forage naturally while protecting its delicate sensory organ from abrasion.

Are they suitable for community aquariums?

Yes, provided tank mates are peaceful, too large to be viewed as prey and not overly aggressive or competitive during feeding.

What do Elephant Nose Fish eat?

They are carnivores that enjoy worms, insect larvae, frozen bloodworms, blackworms and other protein-rich sinking foods. A varied diet helps maintain excellent condition.

Are Elephant Nose Fish suitable for beginners?

No. Their sensitivity to water quality and specialised care requirements make them better suited to experienced aquarists with established aquariums.

How long do Elephant Nose Fish live?

With excellent water quality, a varied diet and a low-stress environment, Angolan Elephant Nose Fish can commonly live for 10–15 years.

Angolan Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus angolensis) 5cm

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Barcode: PLANT5

Out of stock,  

$80.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Angolan Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus angolensis)

    Intelligent, mysterious and unlike any other freshwater fish, the Angolan Elephant Nose Fish is a remarkable African species renowned for its elongated sensory "trunk" and exceptional ability to navigate using weak electrical signals. Best suited to experienced aquarists, it becomes a captivating centrepiece in large, peaceful aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Gnathonemus angolensis
    • Common name: Angolan Elephant Nose Fish, Elephantnose Fish
    • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
    • Adult size: Approximately 20–25 cm
    • Tank size: 250L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: πŸ”΄ Advanced
    • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial with its own kind
    • Social needs: Best kept singly unless housed in a very large aquarium

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want one of the most intelligent freshwater fish available.
    • You have a mature aquarium with excellent water quality.
    • You enjoy observing unusual behaviours and nocturnal activity.
    • You can provide a varied diet of meaty foods.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is newly established.
    • You keep aggressive or highly boisterous fish.
    • You want a brightly lit, sparsely decorated aquarium.
    • You cannot provide stable water conditions and regular maintenance.

    Why choose an Angolan Elephant Nose Fish?

    The Angolan Elephant Nose Fish is one of the aquarium hobby's most fascinating species. Rather than relying primarily on vision, it generates weak electrical fields that allow it to detect food, navigate obstacles and communicate in dark, murky environments.

    Its distinctive elongated lower lip, often described as a "trunk", is packed with sensory receptors that it uses to probe the substrate in search of insect larvae, worms and other small invertebrates. This unique feeding behaviour makes it endlessly interesting to observe.

    Although peaceful toward most appropriately sized fish, Elephant Nose Fish are sensitive to poor water quality and appreciate quiet surroundings with plenty of hiding places. Once settled, they often learn to recognise their keeper and become surprisingly interactive at feeding time.

    Benefits

    • One of the most intelligent freshwater fish
    • Unique electrical sensing ability
    • Extraordinary elongated "trunk" for feeding
    • Excellent feature fish for large aquariums
    • Peaceful with suitable tank mates
    • Long-lived with proper care

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.5
    • Diet: Bloodworms, blackworms, earthworms, frozen foods, insect larvae and quality carnivorous sinking foods
    • Water: Soft to moderately hard, clean, stable and well filtered
    • Substrate: Fine sand is strongly recommended to protect the sensitive snout
    • Setup: Dim lighting, driftwood, caves, leaf litter and numerous hiding places
    • Avoid sharp gravel, as it may damage the delicate sensory organ.
    • Feed after lights dim if housed with faster daytime fish.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Congo Tetras
    • Peaceful Synodontis Catfish
    • Severums
    • Large Rainbowfish
    • Peaceful West African cichlids of similar size
    NTA Insight:
    The Elephant Nose Fish's remarkable electrical navigation system makes it unlike almost any other freshwater species. Because of its sensitive nature, it performs best in mature aquariums with stable water quality, subdued lighting and soft sandy substrates. Patience during acclimation is rewarded with one of the most engaging and intelligent fish in the hobby.

    FAQ

    Why is it called an Elephant Nose Fish?

    The elongated lower lip resembles a small elephant's trunk, but it is actually a highly specialised sensory organ used to locate food hidden within the substrate.

    Does it really produce electricity?

    Yes. It generates weak electrical signals used for navigation, communication and locating prey. These signals are harmless to people and other aquarium inhabitants.

    Can more than one Elephant Nose Fish be kept together?

    They are often territorial toward members of their own species. Multiple individuals should only be attempted in very large, well-structured aquariums with ample hiding places.

    Do they need sand?

    Yes. Fine sand is highly recommended because it allows the fish to forage naturally while protecting its delicate sensory organ from abrasion.

    Are they suitable for community aquariums?

    Yes, provided tank mates are peaceful, too large to be viewed as prey and not overly aggressive or competitive during feeding.

    What do Elephant Nose Fish eat?

    They are carnivores that enjoy worms, insect larvae, frozen bloodworms, blackworms and other protein-rich sinking foods. A varied diet helps maintain excellent condition.

    Are Elephant Nose Fish suitable for beginners?

    No. Their sensitivity to water quality and specialised care requirements make them better suited to experienced aquarists with established aquariums.

    How long do Elephant Nose Fish live?

    With excellent water quality, a varied diet and a low-stress environment, Angolan Elephant Nose Fish can commonly live for 10–15 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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