Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish

Gnathonemus petersii

Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 23 cm (≤ 9.1 in)
Aquarium size: 454 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 23–28 °C
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 0–10 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 454 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 0–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 454 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in) 24–30 °C Black Ghost Knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 50 cm (≤ 19.7 in) 23–28 °C Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 22–28 °C Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3 cm (≤ 1.2 in) 22–27 °C Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 23–26 °C Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in) 22–27 °C

FAQ

How large does Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish get?

Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish reaches ≤ 23 cm (≤ 9.1 in). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 454 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length.

Is Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish peaceful?

Yes. Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish?

Keep it between 23 to 28 °C.