pelican knifefish

A rare knifefish found in the deep water channels of the middle Amazon River in Peru and Brazil, the Pelican Knifefish is a distinctive species, with males of the species developing extremely elongated snouts which are assumed to be for interspecific competition for females, which have a more typical head shape for a knifefish. Little is known about their behavior in the wild, but they are likely an insectivore, using their highly developed ability to detect electrical current in order to locate food. In the aquarium, they are shy and best kept in a species tank or with other very peaceful fish. Due to their deep water habitat, very dim lighting, if any, is preferred, and they should be offered plenty of cover.