Fin's Fish Guide
The Crocodile fish (Mesoborus crocodilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in clear, flowing rivers and creeks.
Description
The crocodile fish is a slender African characin of the family Distichodontidae reaching about 25 cm. The silvery, elongate body has long, toothed jaws - hence the name 'crocodile fish' - and an adipose fin. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in schools in clear, flowing rivers and creeks. Notable is its feeding behaviour: it specialises in nipping scales and fin tips off other fish, supplemented with insects and small invertebrates - a lifestyle found in only a few fishes. In the rainy season it spawns. Because of this unusual behaviour it is of interest to biologists, but in the aquarium hobby it is difficult owing to its fin-eating.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Crocodile fish?
The Crocodile fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender little African characin with elongated, teeth-rich jaws and an adipose fin; nibbles scales and fins off other fishes.
Where does the Crocodile fish live?
The Crocodile fish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in clear, flowing rivers and creeks.
How big does the Crocodile fish get?
The Crocodile fish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Crocodile fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Crocodile fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Crocodile fish edible?
The Crocodile fish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Distichodontidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Crocodile fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.