Peters' elephant nose (Gnathonemus petersii) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Peters' elephantnose fish, Long-nosed elephant fish, Ubangi mormyrid
Family
Mormyridae (elephantfishes)
Origin
West and Central Africa, from the Niger to the Congo basin – Mali, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, CAR, both Congos and Zambia – in muddy, slow-flowing water.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
22.5 cm
Temperature
23–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
Soft to medium, 5–15 dGH
Minimum tank
243 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Lifespan
6–10 years

Care

The elephantnose is famous for its trunk-like 'nose', which is really a sensitive extension of the mouth used to probe the bottom for food. It produces a weak electric field to find its way, hunt and communicate, and has an unusually large brain for its size. It needs a tank of at least 120 × 45 × 45 cm (around 240 litres). A soft sand substrate is essential so it can forage without damaging its snout. Keep the lighting dim and provide plenty of caves, wood, plants and other cover. It is a strong jumper, so fit a good lid. Keep the water at 23–28 °C, soft to medium and around pH 6–7.5. Water quality must be excellent: it is sensitive to poor conditions and to many medications. It is territorial with its own kind. One fish is the simplest option; if you want a group, have at least five in a very large tank with lots of hiding places to spread the aggression. All aquarium fish are wild-caught. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Sources: Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/gnathonemus-petersii/); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Gnathonemus-petersii.html); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephantnosefish). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Feeds mostly at night on worms and insect larvae, which it finds with its electric sense. Bloodworm and other worms are favourites; many also take frozen foods and some dried foods. Feed after lights-out or make sure faster fish do not take everything.

Breeding

Not bred in aquaria; it is thought that tank conditions upset the electric signals they use to recognise each other and spawn. Sexes cannot be told apart from the outside.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with other species but slow and shy at feeding time. Good companions include calm tetras, African catfish and peaceful cichlids. Avoid aggressive or boisterous fish and other mormyrids.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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