Edit Gnathonemus petersii
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Gnathonemus petersii
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Mormyridae
Common names
Elephantnose Fish
Photograph credits
All 3 credited
Summary
The elephantnose fish, Gnathonemus petersii, is a mormyrid with a vast African range, recorded in ten countries from Mali and Benin to Zamb…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
225mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–28°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
5–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Not recorded
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
It has a vast distribution and has been recorded in Mali, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republ…
Habitat
It inhabits the dark and muddy beds and heavily-vegetated areas of rivers, occuring in areas where the water flows slowly.
Aquarium size
A 120 ∗ 45 ∗ 45 cm - ~243 litres tank is just about acceptable. You'll need something bigger if youb want to keep a decent-sized group.
Maintenance
This is a nocturnal fish, so dim lighting is required to make it feel secure. Plenty of cover should also be provided, particularly if you're keeping a few tog…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 28 °C pH: 6.0-7.5 Hardness: 5-15°H
Diet
Most specimens are quite unfussy and will accept a range of dried, frozen and live foods. Worms of any kind are a particular favourite of G. petersii.
Behaviour and compatibility
A quiet but territorial species. It is peaceful towards heterospecifics, although it should not be kept with very active or aggressive species, as it will be o…
Sexual dimorphism
It cannot be sexed by external means (some sources suggest the shape of the anal fin may be significant), although the sexes can be distinguished by examining …
Reproduction
Not thought to have been achieved in captivity. One scientific study suggests that being kept in the confines of an aquarium causes the sexually-defining patte…
Notes
Also known as Peter's elephantnose, this fascinating species is currently the most common Mormyrid in the hobby. Sadly, its popularity means it is often kept i…
References
References
No references