Fin's Fish Guide
The Bane stonebasher (Petrocephalus bane) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Bane stonebasher is an African elephantfish of the family Mormyridae, widespread in the Nile and West African waters. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, silvery-grey body with a blunt head lacking the long snout of many relatives. It inhabits open water and vegetated zones of lakes, lagoons and irrigation canals. Like other elephantfishes it produces weak electric discharges to orient itself and communicate. It is mainly an insect eater, foraging on the bottom and among vegetation. Females grow larger than males and are caught more frequently.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bane stonebasher?
The Bane stonebasher has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Weak electric organ and a blunt head; females larger than males.
Where does the Bane stonebasher live?
The Bane stonebasher lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North and West Africa; Nile, lakes, lagoons and canals.
How big does the Bane stonebasher get?
The Bane stonebasher grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Bane stonebasher dangerous to humans?
No, the Bane stonebasher is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Petrocephalus
More from the family Mormyridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bane stonebasher is one of 12,519 species in the app.