Peters's elephantnose fish

Gnathonemus petersii

Dark body with pale curved rear markings; the projecting 'trunk' is a lower-lip extension, not a nose.

Dark body with pale curved rear markings; the projecting 'trunk' is a lower-lip extension, not a nose on top of the head.

Adult length: Up to 22.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 23–28 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits rivers and lakes, mainly moving and feeding close to the bottom.

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Appearance and identification

Like a black ghost, it senses weak electric fields, but has an extended lower lip, posterior dorsal and anal fins and a forked tail instead of the knife's long anal ribbon.

Same-species behaviour

Uses weak electricity to sense surroundings. Territorial conspecifics should not automatically be kept as a pair.

Space requirements

Provide soft sand, dim shelter and stable water, and confirm feeding. Use a 120 × 45 cm base.

Diet and feeding

Offer suitable animal foods and keep aggressive or fast feeders from outcompeting it.

Aquarium environment

Shade-tolerant plants provide cover; sharp substrate damages mouthparts. Bright planting needs shaded refuges.

Sources