Its name is probably derived from its long chin barbel. Its body is slender in shape and laterally compressed, with a dark brown color with two white bands at the start and centre of the dorsal and anal fins.

Its mechanism for finding food is interesting, since it hunts for worms and fish during the night using its electric sensory receptors.

More fascinating facts about Elephantnose fish is that an electric discharge can be detected in the water during mating. The electric receptors are situated on the dorsal and ventral sides of the body. At the base of its tail, there is an electric organ which emits a low electric current.

Additional Elephantnose fish trivia

• It is said that this tropical fish possesses an excellent hearing ability.

• The fish can grow up to 14 inches (35cm) long.

• It is speculated that the fish spawn during the rainy season, but there is little information regarding the sexual reproduction process of the fish. It is known for its aggressiveness during mating season and territorial nature.

• This fish seemingly choose to swim in slow currents in large rivers. This fish swim in large schools because it is a very social fish and swims at the bottom of the water.

• It is not an endangered species of fish.