Can Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 450 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Peter's Elephantnose Fish

Gnathonemus petersii

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)

Datnioides polota

🐟Family Group
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
Oddballs
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Oddballs
Temperament
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
23–28°C
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
6–7.5
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
2–15
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
Freshwater Only
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
Moderate
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
200 L
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
450 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
BottomMiddle
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
NocturnalShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Peter's Elephantnose Fish
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Peter's Elephantnose Fish is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) may occasionally assert dominance over Peter's Elephantnose Fish.

Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Peter's Elephantnose Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Peter's Elephantnose Fish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - lighly covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 450 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Peter's Elephantnose Fish or Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) aggressive?

Peter's Elephantnose Fish is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Peter's Elephantnose Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Peter's Elephantnose Fish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Peter's Elephantnose Fish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Peter's Elephantnose Fish during evening hours.


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