Why is my Elephantnose Fish hiding all the time?

They are naturally nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). In a brightly lit aquarium, they will seek shelter. Providing dim lighting and plenty of dark, enclosed spaces like PVC pipes or smooth caves will help them feel secure.

Can I keep two Elephantnose Fish together?

It is highly recommended not to. In small numbers, the dominant fish will usually bully the weaker one to death. They should either be kept completely alone, or in a group of at least five in a very large tank to spread out the aggression.

Will an Elephantnose Fish eat flake food?

It is extremely rare for them to accept dry flakes or pellets. You must be prepared to feed them a regular diet of frozen or live foods, such as bloodworm and tubifex, ideally offered after the tank lights go out.

Do they really produce electricity?

Yes. They possess a specialized electric organ in their tail that generates a weak electrical field. They use this field like radar to navigate in muddy water, find food, and communicate with other Elephantnose Fish. It is far too weak to shock you or their tank mates.

Why is sand substrate so important for them?

Their unique 'trunk' (Schnauzenorgan) is incredibly delicate and is constantly used to probe the substrate for food. Sharp or coarse gravel will scratch and damage it, leading to bacterial infections and starvation.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Elephantnose Fish

Gnathonemus petersii

A fascinating, highly intelligent oddball fish famous for its trunk-like appendage and ability to generate a weak electrical field for navigation.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 20 – 25 cm
for a single specimen: 200 litres+
Lifespan: 6 – 10 years
Diet: carnivore
Water flow: slow to moderate
Preferred setup: Soft, fine sand substrate is mandatory. Provide abundant hiding places using smooth driftwood, PVC pipes, and dense planting. Lighting should be dim.

About the Elephantnose Fish

The Elephantnose Fish is one of the most captivating oddballs available in the aquatic trade. Belonging to the Mormyridae family, it is renowned for the prominent, trunk-like extension on its lower jaw, scientifically known as a 'Schnauzenorgan'. Far from being a true nose, this appendage is densely packed with sensors used to probe muddy substrates for invertebrate prey. Furthermore, this species generates a weak electrical field through a specialised organ near its tail, allowing it to navigate, locate food, and communicate in the murky waters of its natural habitat.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Elephantnose Fish comes from

Native range

Congo River Basin, Niger River Basin, Ogun River, Chari River

Countries / regions

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Cameroon

Habitat

Slow-moving, heavily vegetated, and muddy dark-water rivers and pools.

Widespread across West and Central Africa in muddy, low-visibility aquatic environments.

Similar species

Baby Whale
Brienomyrus brachyistius
Dolphin Fish
Mormyrops anguilloides
Black Ghost Knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Peaceful, robust African mid-water swimmers that will not compete for food at the bottom of the tank.
Great
Leopard Bush Fish
Ctenopoma acutirostre
An authentic biotope companion that occupies higher levels in the aquarium and ignores bottom dwellers.
Great
Upside-down Catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
A peaceful African catfish that tends to feed from the underside of leaves rather than heavily competing at the substrate.
Great
Elephantnose Fish
Gnathonemus petersii
Highly intolerant of their own kind in small numbers. They must be kept singly, or in groups of five or more in massive aquariums to disperse aggression.
Compatible with caution
Boisterous Loaches
Fast, vigorous bottom feeders like Clown Loaches will outcompete the shy Elephantnose for food, leading to starvation.
Compatible with caution
Mbuna Cichlids
Far too aggressive and territorial. They will continually harass the sensitive, scaleless Elephantnose.
Not recommended

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