Dolphin Fish

Dolphin fish look like dolphins but belong to the mormyrid family that also includes baby whales and elephant nose. These fish go well with an African theme aquarium and they are hardy and a bit aggressive. It is usually best to have live feeders on hand as these fish come wild from Nigeria and sometimes need to be transitioned to prepared foods. Like other mormyrids, the dolphin fish prefers a hiding place. When adapted to the aquarium, it is a bit unsettling when one approaches the glass like Flipper asking for a treat.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them a soft sand bottom, caves or tubes to hide in, dim lighting and a tight lid. They are most active in the evening.

Feeding: Feed small frozen foods like bloodworms once or twice a day, ideally in the evening. Some learn to take small sinking pellets.

Tankmates: Dolphin fish can be territorial. Keep them with robust fish of similar size, and only one per tank.

Good to know: Dolphin fish use a weak electric field to find food and communicate.