Freshwater Dolphin Fish - (Mormyrus Longirostris)

🐬 Freshwater Dolphin Fish – (Mormyrus longirostris)

The Freshwater Dolphin Fish, also known as the Eastern Bottlenose Mormyrid, is a fascinating and highly intelligent oddball species with a distinctive elongated snout, resembling a dolphin. Native to freshwater river systems in Africa, this species belongs to the Mormyridae family, also known as elephantfish, due to their extended snouts and unique electric-sensing abilities.

This species uses a weak electrical field to navigate murky waters, detect prey, and even communicate. It is peaceful, shy, and best kept in a calm, species-specific or oddball tank setup with minimal stress and lots of hiding spaces.

🌊 Tank Setup

• 🏞️ Minimum 55+ gallons for a single specimen
• 🪵 Provide smooth rocks, driftwood, and soft substrate
• 🌿 Dim lighting and low-stress environment preferred
• 💧 High water quality, low current
• 📦 Covered tank essential – known to be jumpers

🍽️ Diet

• 🪱 Carnivorous – prefers live or frozen foods like bloodworms, blackworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp
• 🍽️ May not take to dry food readily; patience and conditioning required
• 🧠 Intelligent feeders – often learn feeding cues quickly

⚖️ Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful, but shy and easily stressed
• 👀 Best kept alone or with other gentle, slow-moving fish
• ⚠️ Avoid fin-nippers and aggressive tankmates

⚡ Electric Abilities

• 🧠 Possesses an electroreceptive organ to navigate, communicate, and locate food
• 🗣️ Can "talk" using low-voltage electrical signals
• 🧬 One of the most advanced fish in terms of brain-to-body mass ratio

📋 At a Glance

💡 The Freshwater Dolphin Fish is a unique conversation starter for aquarists who enjoy exotic and intelligent fish. Due to their sensitivity and specialized care needs, they’re best suited for experienced hobbyists who can give them the peaceful environment they thrive in.