Gnathonemus petersi (Elephant fish)

Gnathonemus petersi (Elephant fish)

Description

Gnathonemus petersi fish is a freshwater fish that lives mainly in wet and swampy areas in West Africa. It is relatively small, with an average length of only 8 to 10 centimeters, and is characterized by a wide head and flattened with eyes located on the top of the head. His mouth is small and located on the underside of the head, which allows him to search the muddy background in search of food.

The body of the Gnathonemus petersi fish is elongated and covered with smooth scales. Its color varies from dark gray to dark brown, with lighter spots on the belly and dark bands crossing the body. The fish has a single dorsal fin and pectoral and pelvic fins which allow it to quickly move into the water.

Gnathonemus petersi fish is omnivorous and feeds mainly on small crustaceans, insects and plants. It is often observed feeding in a group, with the fish gathering around a food source to dispute the pieces. Fish is also known to use your mouth to dig in the muddy background in search of hidden food.

Gnathonemus petersi fish is considered a short life cycle fish, with a life expectancy of about a year. Females can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, which are deposited on submerged and incubated plants for about a week before hatching. Young fish are very vulnerable to predators and only a small proportion of them survive to adulthood.

Gnathonemus petersi fish is a common fish in its natural habitat, but it is threatened by the destruction of its habitat and water pollution. It is also often taken for food, which can contribute to its reduction in populations. Despite these threats, fish is considered to be generally stable and is not currently considered to be in danger of extinction.

Origin

  • Family : Mormyridae
  • Origin : Nigeria, Cameroon, Zaire

Features

  • Adult size : 23 cm
  • Behaviour : Pleasant
  • Food : Carnivorous

Water

  • Water type : Freshwater, hot
  • Temperature : 24 - 29 °C
  • pH : 6 - 7.2
  • Minimum aquarium capacity (in liters) : 500

Dimorphism

Non -existent

Reproduction

The fish must be kept in small groups of individuals of the same size (otherwise the smallest are attacked). Water: 22-28 ° C. pH 6.5. Th <18 ° C. TAC <4 ° Achievable only in laboratory aquariums, impossible in aquarophilia.

Contribution

  • Created by : sunnmagic
  • Last update : 12/10/2022

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