Freshwater Dolphin Nigeria - Wild Caught 9cm

Freshwater Dolphin Nigeria - Wild Caught

The Freshwater Dolphin, also known as the Nigerian Freshwater Dolphin, is a fascinating and rare oddball fish that offers a unique visual appeal and captivating behaviour. This species is part of the Mormyridae family, known for its electric organ and sensory receptors, which it uses to navigate murky waters and locate prey. While Peter's Elephant Nose (Gnathonemus petersii) is more commonly seen in the hobby, the Freshwater Dolphin offers a more subtle, yet equally captivating aesthetic.

Unlike its more slender relatives, the Freshwater Dolphin possesses a robust, elongated body with a slightly curved snout, giving it a dolphin-like appearance. Its body is primarily dark brown to black, accented with lighter speckling and faint vertical banding along its flanks. This natural camouflage helps it blend seamlessly into leaf-littered and plant-dense environments. Reaching a maximum size of around 25 cm, this species requires a suitably large aquarium to thrive.

Like other members of its family, the Freshwater Dolphin is a nocturnal species, best observed during dim lighting conditions. Its behaviour is often described as peaceful yet shy, preferring the lower regions of the aquarium where it hunts for small invertebrates and other meaty foods. Breeding in captivity is extremely rare, and sexing individuals is challenging due to the lack of visible differences between males and females.

Tank Recommendations for your Freshwater Dolphin - Nigeria Wild

The Freshwater Dolphin is a larger-growing species that requires a minimum tank size of 200 litres. Given its active hunting behaviour, a long tank with ample horizontal space is recommended.

A sand substrate is ideal, as their sensitive electroreceptor organ can be easily irritated or damaged by coarse substrates. Adding leaf litter, driftwood, and botanicals will not only provide natural cover but also help replicate their native habitat. Plants with deep-rooted systems, such as Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, and Anubias, are ideal, as they are unlikely to be uprooted by the Freshwater Dolphin's digging activities.

Dim lighting is preferred to encourage natural behaviours and reduce stress. Water conditions should be soft and slightly acidic, with a temperature range of 24 - 26°C and a pH of 6.0 - 7.0.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Freshwater Dolphin is generally peaceful and can be kept with a wide range of soft water species. Due to their poor eyesight, it's advisable to avoid tiny or slow-moving fish that could be mistaken for food.

Usually Compatible

Top dwelling species such as giant danios, hatchet fish, and a wide range of medium-sized tetras such as black widows, rosy tetras, and black neon tetras.

Sometimes Compatible

Medium-sized and relatively peaceful cichlids such as geophagus, kribensis, jewel cichlids, and species of a similar sort.

Rarely Compatible

Shrimp and nano aquarium fish like neon tetras, ember tetras, and also very aggressive South American cichlids such as Oscars and Jaguar Cichlids.

Feeding your Freshwater Dolphin - Freshwater Dolphin

The Freshwater Dolphin is a carnivorous fish that prefers a diet of meaty foods. Initially, they may be reluctant to accept pellets or flakes, so it's best to start with live or frozen foods such as blackworms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

Over time, they can be conditioned to accept sinking pellets, but it's crucial to provide a varied diet to ensure optimal health. Their natural foraging behaviour can be encouraged by burying live foods within the substrate, allowing them to hunt using their electroreceptors.