The Long-nosed Elephant Fish has a widespread distribution across the Congo and Niger River basins, where it is most commonly found in dark, slow-flowing, heavily vegetated waters with sandy or silty substrates. This unusual nocturnal fish has a long, highly sensitive trunk-like extension on the chin, which it uses to probe for food items in the substrate, with the small round mouth located just above it. For this reason, it absolutely must be provided with a soft sand substrate in the home aquarium - gravel is simply not suitable and will cause unnecessary stress and possibly damage. Like other Mormyrids, the Long-nosed Elephant Fish is capable of producing a weak electrical field. The specialised electric organ which discharges the pulses is located in the caudal peduncle, with cutaneous electro receptors distributed over much of the body (including the 'trunk'). This ability to generate an electric field allows the fish to navigate in darkness or in turbid waters, sense the tiniest of movements around it in order to find food and avoid predators, and also to communicate and find a suitable mate. This electrosensory system is relatively weak as far as electric fish go, so poses no risk to the aquarist. This is an endearing fish which does have some specialist care requirements, in addition to the aforementioned sandy substrate. Firstly, it attains a large size, so a spacious aquarium is a must. Secondly, it must be provided with a choice of shady hiding spots e.g. PVC tubes, rocky caves/overhangs (do ensure such structures are stable), and large tangles of driftwood. The lighting should not be too bright as these nocturnal fish are sensitive to intense illumination; if the tank must be brightly lit in some areas, provide plenty of broad leaved aquatic plants and floating species to help diffuse the light. Nonetheless, there absolutely must be areas of darkness within the tank that the fish can retreat to during the day as necessary. Filtration should be efficient, but water movement fairly gentle, and there should be a consistent maintenance regime in place encompassing regular partial water changes, as these fish are sensitive to elevated nitrate and sudden changes in water chemistry. Long-nosed Elephant Fish are somewhat timid and generally peaceful with other fish, but they are rather territorial with their own kind and closely related species. It is best not to keep them with any other elephantnose species