Fin's Fish Guide
The Christy's elephantfish (Campylomormyrus christyi) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 38 cm.
Description
Christy's elephantfish is an elephantfish from the Congo basin in Central Africa, including the lower Congo, Pool Malebo, the Kasai and the Lukenie. It grows to about 38 cm and has a dark, laterally compressed body with a conspicuous, downward-curved trunk-like snout. Like all elephantfishes it has a weak electric organ in the tail with which it navigates in turbid water, detects prey and communicates with conspecifics. The fish is nocturnal and searches the bottom for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Christy's elephantfish?
The Christy's elephantfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Trumpet-shaped, downward-curved snout; weak electric organ
Where does the Christy's elephantfish live?
The Christy's elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Congo basin
How big does the Christy's elephantfish get?
The Christy's elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Christy's elephantfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Christy's elephantfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Christy's elephantfish edible?
The Christy's elephantfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Campylomormyrus
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Christy's elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Christy's elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.