Fin's Fish Guide
The Boma mormyrid (Mormyrops curtus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The bottlenose elephantfish is an African weakly electric fish of the family Mormyridae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has a relatively stocky, dark body with the dorsal and anal fins set far back, characteristic of this family. Like all elephantfishes it generates a weak electric field with an organ in the tail base to navigate in turbid water, locate prey and communicate with conspecifics. It searches the bottom for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Boma mormyrid?
The Boma mormyrid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Weakly electric elephantfish of the Congo basin; navigates with an electric field.
Where does the Boma mormyrid live?
The Boma mormyrid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; rivers and streams.
How big does the Boma mormyrid get?
The Boma mormyrid grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Boma mormyrid dangerous to humans?
No, the Boma mormyrid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Boma mormyrid edible?
The Boma mormyrid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mormyrops
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Boma mormyrid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Boma mormyrid is one of 12,519 species in the app.