Fin's Fish Guide
The Congo featherback (Papyrocranus congoensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Notopteridae that grows up to 29 cm.
Description
The Congo featherback is a knifefish from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 29 cm and has a laterally compressed, knife-shaped body with a long, continuous anal fin with which it swims forward and backward in undulating fashion, and a reduced dorsal fin. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day among roots and plants and hunts insects, crustaceans and small fish at night. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Congo featherback?
The Congo featherback has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Knife-shaped body with a long anal fin; nocturnal hider
Where does the Congo featherback live?
The Congo featherback lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Congo basin
How big does the Congo featherback get?
The Congo featherback grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.
Is the Congo featherback dangerous to humans?
No, the Congo featherback 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 Congo featherback edible?
The Congo featherback is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Papyrocranus
More from the family Notopteridae
Want the complete picture on the Congo featherback?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo featherback is one of 12,519 species in the app.