Fin's Fish Guide
The Dwarf stonebasher (Pollimyrus castelnaui) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 7 cm.
Southern Africa; vegetated banks of rivers and floodplain lagoons of the Okavango and Zambezi basins.
Description
Castelnau's stonebasher is a small African elephantfish of the family Mormyridae from southern Africa, including the Okavango and Zambezi drainages. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a stocky, dark body with a blunt, rounded head. It inhabits dense vegetation along the margins of rivers and floodplain lagoons. Like other elephantfishes it generates weak electric fields to orient itself in turbid water, find prey and communicate with conspecifics. Male Pollimyrus are known for their complex electric and sound signals during courtship. As a bottom dweller it feeds on insect larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dwarf stonebasher?
The Dwarf stonebasher has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Weak electric organ; males make complex electric and sound signals during courtship.
Where does the Dwarf stonebasher live?
The Dwarf stonebasher lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Africa; vegetated banks of rivers and floodplain lagoons of the Okavango and Zambezi basins.
How big does the Dwarf stonebasher get?
The Dwarf stonebasher grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Dwarf stonebasher dangerous to humans?
No, the Dwarf stonebasher is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dwarf stonebasher edible?
The Dwarf stonebasher is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Dwarf stonebasher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dwarf stonebasher is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pollimyrus
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Dwarf stonebasher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dwarf stonebasher is one of 12,519 species in the app.