How difficult is it to keep Elephantnose Fish?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for Elephantnose Fish?

The ideal temperature for Elephantnose Fish is 23〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Elephantnose Fish?

The average lifespan of Elephantnose Fish is 6-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Elephantnose Fish get?

Elephantnose Fish typically reaches Up to about 35cm standard length (some sources give 22.5cm) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Elephantnose Fish?

Elephantnose Fish feeds on: Bloodworm and other worms live or frozen, plus dried foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Elephantnose Fish?

The price of Elephantnose Fish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Elephantnose Fish

Advanced

Gnathonemus petersii

A remarkable freshwater fish that senses its surroundings with weak electric pulses. The trunk-like organ is an extension of the lower jaw, probed into sand to find food. Fine sand and dim lighting are prerequisites for keeping it.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

23〜28℃

Lifespan

6-10 years

Size

Up to about 35cm standard length (some sources give 22.5cm)

Diet

Bloodworm and other worms live or frozen, plus dried foods

About

Gnathonemus petersii is a mormyrid from the Niger to Congo basins, living in muddy, slow-moving rivers and pools with submerged branches, and reaching about 35cm standard length (some sources give 22.5cm). The trunk-like projection is not a nose but an extension of the lower jaw, densely covered in electroreceptors; the fish reads distortions in the weak electric field generated by an organ in its tail to find food and obstacles. Its brain accounts for the largest brain-to-body oxygen use ratio known in vertebrates, around 0.6. A fine sand bed is essential because the fish probes the substrate with this organ, and gravel prevents normal feeding behaviour. Keep the lighting dim with plenty of cover, at pH 6.0-7.5, 5-15 dGH and 23-28C in a tank of about 120x45cm, 243 litres. It lives 6-10 years and captive breeding is not thought to have been achieved.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Elephantnose Fish

The Elephantnose Fish lives 6-10 years.

Size of the Elephantnose Fish

The Elephantnose Fish grows to Up to about 35cm standard length (some sources give 22.5cm).

Temperature & humidity for the Elephantnose Fish

The ideal temperature for the Elephantnose Fish is 23〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Africa: Niger to Congo river basins, widespread in the Congo basin

Lifespan

6-10 years

Care Specifications

pH: 6–7.5
Hardness (GH): 5–15 dGH
Water Temp.: 23–28℃
Min. Tank: 243 L

Semi-aggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Very hard

Sources: Seriously Fish: Gnathonemus petersii / FishBase: Gnathonemus petersii

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Gnathonemus petersii Günther, 1862

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.