Fin's Fish Guide
The Elephantfish (Marcusenius leopoldianus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The elephantfish is an elephantfish (Mormyridae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has a stocky, dark body with a small, blunt head. Like other elephantfishes it generates a weak electric field with an organ in the tail base to navigate in turbid water and find prey. It lives near the bottom in rivers and searches at night for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Elephantfish?
The Elephantfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Generates a weak electric field; nocturnal bottom fish of the Congo basin.
Where does the Elephantfish live?
The Elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; rivers, near the bottom.
How big does the Elephantfish get?
The Elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Elephantfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Elephantfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Elephantfish edible?
The Elephantfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Marcusenius
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.