Key Features:

Distinctive Appearance: Known for its elongated, dark body and distinctive trunk-like chin extension used for sensing its environment. It has a sleek, almost eel-like silhouette with a narrow head and small fins, giving it a very unusual prehistoric appearance.

Electrosensory Behavior: A highly specialized fish that uses weak electric fields to navigate, communicate, and locate food. It is nocturnal and spends most of its time exploring the bottom of the tank in low light conditions.

Care Requirements:

Tank Conditions: Requires a well-established aquarium with very stable water conditions, low lighting, and plenty of hiding spaces such as driftwood, caves, and soft substrate. Ideal water temperature should range between 73–82°F (23–28°C). Prefers soft to moderately soft water with neutral to slightly acidic pH and excellent filtration without strong turbulence.

Diet: Carnivorous, feeding mainly on small invertebrates such as bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, and specialized sinking carnivore foods. It often requires targeted feeding due to its nocturnal and shy nature.

Compatibility: Generally peaceful but extremely shy. Best kept with calm, non-aggressive tank mates that will not outcompete it for food. Should not be housed with fast or boisterous fish that may stress it.

Size and Growth:

Adult Size: Can grow up to 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in length depending on conditions.

Growth: Moderate growth, with steady development in stable, low-light, and low-stress environments.

Overview:

Campylomormyrus tamandua, commonly referred to as Peters’ Elephantnose Fish, is a highly specialized freshwater species valued for its unique trunk-like extension and electrosensory abilities. It is best suited for advanced aquarists who can provide stable, dimly lit aquariums with soft substrate and careful feeding routines.