Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish

Gnathonemus petersii

Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom dwellerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate – Advanced

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 9.1" (≤ 23 cm)
Aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15 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

Offer bloodworms and other appropriate meaty frozen/live foods at the bottom, checking that slow and shy individuals actually eat.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

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 ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 75–86°F (24–30°C) Bengal Loach Botia dario Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish get?

Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish reaches ≤ 9.1" (≤ 23 cm). 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 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) 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.

Should Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish be kept alone or in a group?

Peter’s Elephant Nose Fish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.