An Anomalous Elephantnose Fish, Named for its Long Snout, Survives by Generating Electrical Pulses
In the world of aquarium enthusiasts, who love to keep various types of fish and treat them as pets, they are very knowledgeable about the water temperature and water quality required for pet fish. There is one fish that comes fromthe Congo River in Africawhich, despite costing as much as 50 yuan a piece, is still very popular with pet lovers because the Congo River fish has an extremely peculiar appearance, resembling a curved knife from afar, with a tail like a handle and a body like a blade, as well as a fish snout that looks like an elephant's trunk!
In the animal kingdom, some animals often combine two or more characteristics, and the Congo River fish lives in the water while elephants live on land, two completely unrelated species, yet they share a similar long nose. The Congo River fish is also known asthe Goliath Head Knifefishbecause of its long 'nose'. However, from a taxonomic perspective, they are really unrelated.
The 'long nose' of the Congo River fish is not its nose, but rather an extension of its lower jaw. It is calleda prognathic jawbut in terms of function, the long snout of the Congo River fish is similar to that of an elephant's trunk, both used to find and capture food.
The Congo River fish uses its unique ability to survive in the river, which is to generate electricity, emitting up to 120-300 electrical pulses per second, received by nerve cells in its head to detect food, enemies and obstacles even in murky water.It relies on emitting electrical pulsesto secure its place in the ecosystem.
The principle of 'survival of the fittest' applies to nature, and the Congo River fish has already evolved a perfect 'biological radar system' – not by seeing with its eyes, but by 'seeing' with its chin. The entire process is very amazing. The electrical pulses it emits form a stable weak electric field, and when it swims, it does not move its body, so it will not disturb the electric field. If any predator attacks, the extremely sensitive sensors on its body will immediately emit a warning. This 'biological radar system' allows the Congo River fish to avoid danger in advance.
The Congo River fish has a unique appearance and unique skills, which is why it is so popular among aquarium enthusiasts. The market price is generally tens of yuan a piece. In terms of feeding, pay attention to the water temperature of 22-28℃, weakly acidic to neutral water, and set up enough hidden spaces and plants in the aquarium, feeding with red worms, shrimp and small shrimp. The Congo River fish is a popular pet fish in many places, butin its native habitat in West-Central Africa, it is a unique delicacy.
Pay attention to six-dimensional nature, follow nature naturally and recognize nature!
