Elephant Nose

Elephant Nose Fish
Description & Care (Bullet Form)

Description

• Scientific name: Gnathonemus petersii.

• Distinctive elongated trunk-like snout used for sensing and foraging—resembles an elephant’s trunk.

• Sleek, dark brown to black body with pale vertical stripes near the tail.

• Can grow 20–25 cm in captivity.

• Uses weak electrical impulses to navigate and communicate—electric fish.

• Intelligent, curious, and sensitive species.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 200 L for one or two fish; needs space to swim.

• Soft, sandy substrate to protect delicate snout while foraging.

• Water parameters: pH 6.0–7.2, soft to moderately soft water.

• Temperature: 24–28 °C.

• Needs excellent filtration, stable parameters, and very clean water.

• Low to moderate lighting—prefers dim environments.

Aquascaping

• Provide hiding spots: driftwood, tubes, caves, PVC pipes, and dense plants.

• Dark substrate and shaded areas reduce stress.

• Avoid sharp decor—delicate skin and snout.

Diet & Feeding

• Carnivorous; feeds on worms, insect larvae, and small crustaceans.

• Prefer live/frozen foods: bloodworms, blackworms, tubifex, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp.

• Rarely eats pellets or flakes; may accept soft sinking foods over time.

• Feed in evening or under dim light—nocturnal feeder.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful but territorial with same species unless in large tanks.

• Best kept singly or in groups of 5+ to spread aggression (requires very large tank).

• Unsuitable tankmates: fast feeders and fin nippers (barbs, cichlids, tetras).

• Good tankmates: peaceful, slow fish like discus, gouramis, Congo tetras.

Special Notes

• Very sensitive to copper and most medications.

• Cannot be used in newly set-up or unstable tanks.

• Avoid strong water current—prefers calm or slow-moving water.

Breeding

• Extremely rare in home aquariums; requires specialized breeding conditions.

• Uses electric signals for courtship and communication.

Challenges

• Difficult for beginners due to feeding needs, sensitivity, and intelligence.

• Requires excellent water quality, calm tank, live foods.

Key Selling Points (for store use)

• Unique “elephant trunk” nose and electric sensing—truly fascinating fish.

• Intelligent, elegant, and captivating for advanced aquarists and display tanks.