Fin's Fish Guide
The Eastern bottlenose (Mormyrus longirostris) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 75 cm.
Eastern and southern Africa, in calm deep waters with soft muddy bottoms of rivers and lakes.
Description
The eastern bottlenose mormyrid is an African elephantfish (family Mormyridae) of eastern and southern Africa. The species grows to about 75 cm and has a fusiform, silvery-grey body with a long, bottlenose-like snout and a long dorsal fin. It favours quiet, deep waters with a soft muddy bottom and hides in caves and among weeds; it forms shoals. With a weak electric organ it probes the muddy bottom for insect larvae and small invertebrates, supplemented by plant matter. The species is harmless to humans and is of commercial value to local fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eastern bottlenose?
The Eastern bottlenose has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Long, bottlenose-like snout; scans the muddy bottom with a weak electric organ.
Where does the Eastern bottlenose live?
The Eastern bottlenose lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern and southern Africa, in calm deep waters with soft muddy bottoms of rivers and lakes.
How big does the Eastern bottlenose get?
The Eastern bottlenose grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Eastern bottlenose dangerous to humans?
No, the Eastern bottlenose is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eastern bottlenose edible?
Yes, the Eastern bottlenose is commonly eaten.
More photos
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Same genus Mormyrus
More from the family Mormyridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eastern bottlenose is one of 12,519 species in the app.