At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Laterally compressed, weakly electric fish
A slim, flattened fish with a long, flexible trunk-like extension of the chin, a forked tail and two pale stripes towards the rear of the body.2
Personality what they are like
Timid and gentle with other species when it has its own space, but can squabble with others of its kind.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Mainly active at night, probing the bottom for worms and insects.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Water about 23-28 C, pH roughly 6.0-7.5 and soft to medium hardness, with very stable, clean conditions.132
Home where they are happiest
At least a 120 x 45 x 45 cm tank (about 240 litres; Wikipedia says over 200 litres), with dim lighting, soft sand for probing, and roots or plants for cover.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Worms of all kinds are favourites, especially bloodworms, plus mosquito larvae and other small invertebrates. Many also take frozen and quality dried foods.231
Company who they like around
Do not keep exactly two; keep one, or a group of five or more in a large tank to spread out squabbles. Good companions include African butterflyfish, Congo tetras and Synodontis catfish.31
The story where it all began
Albert Gunther described the species in 1862. Its common name in science honours the German naturalist Wilhelm Peters.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its brain uses a larger share of the body's oxygen than in any other known vertebrate, around 60 percent.2
- 2
The trunk, called the Schnauzenorgan, picks up tiny changes in its electric field to locate prey.2
- 3
It talks to other elephantnose fish using electric pulses.1
- 4
It hears an unusually wide range of sounds for a fish, roughly 100 to 2500 Hz.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
- Least Concern (assessed 2019).1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Elephantnose Fish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseevery 2 weeks
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Elephantnose Fish?
Feed your Elephantnose Fish once daily. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed every day. Offer only what it can eat in a few minutes to keep the water clean.2 Pet Wiki plan
What does an Elephantnose Fish eat, and what should it never eat?
It loves worms like bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and other small invertebrates. Many also take frozen and quality dried foods. Never feed anything that could harm it; ask your vet or a good breeder for a safe list.231
How much space does an Elephantnose Fish need?
It needs at least a 120 x 45 x 45 cm tank, about 240 litres or over 200 litres. Provide dim lighting, soft sand for probing, and roots or plants for cover.32
What temperature, light or water does an Elephantnose Fish need?
Keep water at 23-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, and soft to medium hardness. Conditions must be very stable and clean. Use dim lighting to mimic its natural habitat.132
How often should I clean an Elephantnose Fish's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 30 to 50% and a weekly water test. Rinse the filter every two weeks. This keeps the water stable and clean. Pet Wiki plan
Can an Elephantnose Fish live with others?
Yes, but do not keep exactly two. Keep one alone, or a group of five or more in a large tank to reduce squabbles. Good companions include African butterflyfish, Congo tetras, and Synodontis catfish.31
How long does an Elephantnose Fish live?
With proper care, it can live between 6 and 10 years. Stable water conditions and a good diet help it reach its full lifespan.2
Can I handle an Elephantnose Fish?
It is best not to handle this fish. It is timid and sensitive, and handling can stress it or damage its delicate body. Always use a container for moving it.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Black Ghost KnifefishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Gnathonemus petersii fishbase.seused for size, origin, water parameters, IUCN, diet, hearing and electric facts, history
- Wikipedia: Elephantnose fish en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, lifespan, care, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Gnathonemus petersii seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, group keeping
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.