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Bigeye mormyrid (Myomyrus macrops) — Mormyridae

Bigeye mormyrid

Myomyrus macrops
Family: Mormyridae
LC · Least Concern

The Bigeye mormyrid (Myomyrus macrops) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa, in rivers of the Congo basin.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Myomyrus macrops is an African elephantfish (family Mormyridae) of the Congo basin. The species reaches about 25 cm and has an elongate, dark brown-grey body with relatively large eyes. Like other mormyrids it has a weak electric organ with which it orients itself in turbid water, locates prey and communicates with conspecifics. It lives near the bottom in rivers and feeds on insect larvae and small bottom invertebrates. The species is active mainly at night and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bigeye mormyrid?

The Bigeye mormyrid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Elephantfish with relatively large eyes; scans the bottom with a weak electric organ.

Where does the Bigeye mormyrid live?

The Bigeye mormyrid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa, in rivers of the Congo basin.

How big does the Bigeye mormyrid get?

The Bigeye mormyrid grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Bigeye mormyrid dangerous to humans?

No, the Bigeye mormyrid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Bigeye mormyrid edible?

The Bigeye mormyrid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bigeye mormyrid sourced
Scientific name
Myomyrus macrops
Family
Mormyridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa, in rivers of the Congo basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae and small bottom-dwelling invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Elephantfish with relatively large eyes; scans the bottom with a weak electric organ. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Myomyrus

More from the family Mormyridae

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